Paris did not have an elite football club before 1970. At the turn of the decade, Paris's lack of a top-level football club changed as a group of businessmen merged Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain into one football club known as Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG immediately drew the attention and support of Parisians. In 1972, the club earned promotion to Ligue 1 and made its home at the Parc des Princes. By the 1980s, the Paris side was at the top of the French football game. The club won its first major trophies, claiming back-to-back French Cups in 1982 and 1983. In 1986, Paris Saint-Germain won its first Ligue 1 title.
In 1991, Canal+ bought the club and invested heavily. Trophies followed the new investment with a league title, three French Cups, and the 1996 Cup Winners' Cup trophy. Unfortunately, just as Paris Saint-Germain were at the top of the domestic game, they hit a major decline. Financial and personnel mismanagement saw the club decrease in the 2000s until the Qatar Sports Investment Group bought the team.
Since QSI bought Paris Saint-Germain, they have spent more than €1.3 billion on players. Thanks to the large expenditure, Paris Saint-Germain has won domestic silverware; seven titles have been won since QSI's takeover. Unfortunately, European cups have not been won by the club as yet. That could change this season.
Bet on PSG
Leading sportsbooks offer betting markets on Paris Saint-Germain every matchday of the football season. The marathon football campaign allows bettors to wager on the capital club in various ways. Before they kick off each tournament, bettors can wager on PSG as the outright winner of the Ligue 1, the Champions League, or the French Cup competitions.
There is the opportunity to bet on one-off matches, players, correct scores, goals, and more. Special offers on big games in the league or European cup competitions are also available with major bookies. Of course, football bettors love to wager on Le Classique between Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
Bettors can select bets on the Parisians in the transfer market and which player(s) will arrive in the French capital each transfer window. They can even wager on who will be the next PSG manager—in a club with as much pressure as PSG to win the top honours, managers come and go at Le Parc des Princes.
PSG Players
Paris Saint-Germain currently has one of the best players in the world: Kylian Mbappe. The young Frenchman joined the club for €180m from Monaco in 2017 following a year-long loan. Since the duo arrived, Mbappe has been arguably more important to Paris Saint-Germain than Neymar and Messi were. He not only steps up in important games, but Mbappe is consistently on the pitch.
Kylian Mbappe - Phénomène Footballistique
Kylian Mbappe has become a household name in football, known for his incredible speed, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability. Since joining Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017, he has risen to global stardom, breaking records and achieving remarkable success at a young age. This article explores Mbappe's journey with PSG, highlighting his key moments, his impact on the club, and the evolution of his playing style.
The Arrival at Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe's 2017 transfer from AS Monaco to Paris Saint-Germain was one of the most talked-about moves in football history. At 18, Mbappe had already made a name for himself at Monaco, helping the team win Ligue 1 and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. His €180 million transfer fee made him the most expensive teenager in football history.
Mbappe's arrival at PSG signalled a new era for the club, which was determined to build a star-studded team capable of dominating domestically and in Europe. His dynamic playing style and youthful energy made him an instant fan favourite in Paris.
Early Success and Domestic Dominance
Mbappe's impact at PSG was immediate. In his debut season (2017-2018), he scored 21 goals across all competitions, helping the team secure a domestic treble with victories in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue. His partnership with Neymar and Edinson Cavani, known as the "MCN" trio, was formidable, with the three forwards combining for a staggering number of goals and assists.
Mbappe's speed and dribbling ability allowed him to terrorize defences, while his composure in front of the goal made him a consistent threat. His versatility, playing on the wing or as a central striker, gave PSG's attack a dynamic edge.
Champions League Campaigns and Challenges
While PSG dominated domestically, the UEFA Champions League remained an elusive prize. Mbappe played a key role in the team's European campaigns, often providing crucial goals and assists. Despite his impressive performances, PSG faced challenges in advancing past the knockout stages.
One of the highlights of Mbappe's Champions League career at PSG was the 2018-2019 season, where he scored four goals in the group stage and a memorable brace against Manchester United. However, PSG's elimination in Round 16 overshadowed their European ambitions.
The 2019-2020 season saw PSG reach the Champions League final for the first time in their history, with Mbappe contributing to the team's success. Although they lost to Bayern Munich, Mbappe's role in reaching the final demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest level.
Evolution of Mbappe's Playing Style
Since joining PSG, Mbappe's playing style has evolved, reflecting his growth as a player. Initially known for his explosive speed and dribbling, he has developed into a more complete forward. His tactical awareness, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates have improved significantly.
Mbappe's finishing has also become more clinical, with a higher conversion rate in front of goal. His capacity to adapt to different tactical setups and work in various formations has made him a valuable asset for PSG.
Individual Accolades and Records
Mbappe's time at PSG has been marked by numerous individual accolades and records. He has won multiple Ligue 1 Player of the Year awards, highlighting his dominance in French football. In 2021, he became the youngest player to score 100 goals in Ligue 1, further cementing his status as one of the game's greats.
Mbappe's performances at PSG have also earned him international recognition, with a FIFA World Cup victory in 2018 as a key highlight of his career. His role in France's World Cup-winning campaign, where he scored crucial goals and became the second teenager to score in a World Cup final, showcased his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
Impact on Paris Saint-Germain
Kylian Mbappe's presence at PSG has significantly impacted the club's global profile and commercial success. His marketability and appeal to fans worldwide have elevated PSG's brand, attracting a broader audience and increasing merchandise sales.
Mbappe's contributions on the pitch have been equally crucial, helping PSG maintain their dominance in French football and consistently compete in the Champions League. His performances have inspired a new generation of football fans and players, with his style of play becoming synonymous with excitement and flair.
Kylian Mbappe's journey at Paris Saint-Germain has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his record-breaking transfer as a teenager to his rise as one of the world's best players, he has left an indelible mark on the club and the footballing world. His domestic and international success underscores his talent and potential for even greater achievements in the future. As Mbappe continues to evolve and reach new heights, his impact on PSG and the sport of football will undoubtedly endure.
Paris Saint-Germain Honours
Ligue 1
Winners (11): 1985–86, 1993–94, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021-22, 2022-23
Ligue 2
Winners (1): 1970–71
Coupe de France
Winners (14; record): 1981–82, 1982–83, 1992–93, 1994–95, 1997–98, 2003–04, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20, 2020–21
Coupe de la Ligue
Winners (9; record): 1994–95, 1997–98, 2007–08, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20
Trophée des Champions
Winners (12; record): 1995, 1998, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023
UEFA Champions League
Runners-up (1): 2019–20
UEFA Cup Winners' Cup
Winners (1): 1995–96
UEFA Intertoto Cup
Winners (1): 2001
PSG All-Time Top Goalscorers
Kylian Mbappe – 253 goals
Edinson Cavani – 200 goals
Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 156 goals
Neymar - 118 goals
Pauleta – 109 goals
PSG Legends
Paris Saint-Germain was founded in 1970. In terms of history, the club is newer, and its legends date back just 50 years. Many of the club's legends are from the modern era. Kylian Mbappe is currently the all-time leader in goals. Followed by Edinson Cavani, who tallied 200 scores for the club before exiting.
In the 1990s, Paris Saint-Germain attracted several high-profile stars, including Ronaldinho. He arrived in 2001 and, after two seasons, moved to Barcelona, where greater success was found. Paris Saint-Germain has also been home to the likes of Thiago Silva, Claude Makelele, and Jay-Jay Okocha.
Neymar - Style & Success
Neymar, the Brazilian football sensation, is one of the most recognizable names in the sport. Known for his flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, Neymar made headlines worldwide when he joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 for a record-breaking fee of €222 million. This move transformed PSG and significantly impacted European football. This article explores Neymar's journey at PSG, focusing on his key moments, contributions, challenges, and overall legacy.
The Record-Breaking Arrival
When Neymar signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, he became the most expensive player in football history. This move was a bold statement by PSG, signalling their ambition to dominate European football. The transfer was a massive financial and strategic investment, as PSG aimed to build a star-studded squad capable of competing at the highest level.
Neymar's arrival at PSG brought excitement and anticipation. His unique playing style, characterized by skilful dribbling, creativity, and audacious goals, promised to bring a new dimension to PSG's attack. He quickly became the face of the club, attracting global attention and elevating PSG's brand.
Early Success and Impact
Neymar made an immediate impact in his debut season with PSG (2017-2018). He scored 28 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions, demonstrating his versatility and goal-scoring prowess. His partnership with Edinson Cavani and Kylian Mbappe formed a formidable attacking trio, known as the "MCN" (Mbappe, Cavani, Neymar). Together, they helped PSG secure a domestic treble, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Coupe de la Ligue.
Neymar's presence on the field brought creativity and flair to PSG's play. His dribbling skills and ability to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates made him a constant threat to opposing defences. His showmanship and unique style also captivated fans, making PSG one of the most exciting teams.
Challenges and Injuries
Despite his early success, Neymar's journey at PSG has been marred by injuries and off-field controversies. He suffered significant injuries that sidelined him for crucial parts of several seasons, impacting PSG's Champions League campaigns. These setbacks raised questions about Neymar's ability to stay healthy and perform consistently at the highest level.
Neymar's personal life and transfer speculation generated media attention off the field, often distracting from his performances on the pitch. His relationship with fans and teammates sometimes came under scrutiny, leading to debates about his commitment to PSG and his role within the squad.
The Quest for Champions League Glory
One of PSG's primary goals in signing Neymar was to win the UEFA Champions League. While the team continued to dominate domestically, European success proved elusive. Neymar played a crucial role in PSG's Champions League campaigns, often delivering standout performances, but injuries and team dynamics sometimes hindered progress.
The 2019-2020 season marked a turning point, as PSG reached the Champions League final for the first time in their history. Neymar's performances were instrumental in this achievement, showcasing his talent and leadership. Although PSG lost to Bayern Munich in the final, the journey demonstrated the team's potential to compete at the highest level.
Neymar's Unique Playing Style
Neymar's playing style is one of the most distinctive in modern football. His ability to dribble past defenders easily, combined with his creativity and vision, makes him a constant source of excitement. Neymar's flair and unpredictability create unique moments on the pitch, often leading to spectacular goals or assists.
Beyond his skill, Neymar's versatility allows him to play various attacking roles. He can operate as a winger, a central forward, or even an attacking midfielder, which gave PSG tactical flexibility. His capacity to draw fouls and create set-piece opportunities is another aspect of his game that benefited PSG.
Neymar's Legacy at Paris Saint-Germain
Neymar's legacy at PSG is complex and multifaceted. On one hand, he has brought a new level of excitement and star power to the club, helping PSG gain a global following. His contributions to the team's domestic success and Champions League campaigns reinforced PSG's position as a top European club.
On the other hand, Neymar's injuries and off-field controversies have raised questions about his long-term impact. His commitment to PSG was questioned by fans and pundits, and his ability to lead the team to consistent success never emerged.
Neymar's journey at Paris Saint-Germain was filled with brilliance, challenges, and controversy. His record-breaking transfer and unique playing style have made him one of the most talked-about footballers in the world. While his impact on PSG's success is undeniable, his journey was marked by setbacks and speculation.
Neymar's time at PSG has left an indelible mark on the club and the sport of football, ensuring his place in the history books.
Here are some other all-time great players to pull on a PSG shirt:
Lionel Messi
Zlatan Ibrahimović
Safet Sušić
Pauleta
Thiago Silva
Mustapha Dahleb
Raí
Bernard Lama
Edinson Cavani
Ronaldinho
Dominique Rocheteau
Claude Makelele
Jay-Jay Okocha
PSG Managers
PSG has had some of the top managers in football patrol the touchline over the years. Since QSI took control of Paris Saint-Germain, six managers have been hired including Carlo Ancelotti, Laurent Blanc, Unai Emery, and Thomas Tuchel.
Currently, PSG is led by Barcelona legend Luis Enrique. The Spaniard will be expected to win Ligue 1 this season and perform well in the Champions League. QSI won't accept a season without winning the Ligue 1 trophy.
Other PSG managers include:
