Paris Saint-Germain FC
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) is a professional association football club based in Paris, France, founded on 12 August 1970 through the merger of Paris Football Club and Stade Saint-Germain to establish a flagship team for the French capital.[1] The club competes in Ligue 1, France's top division, and has played its home matches at the Parc des Princes stadium, with a capacity of 47,929, since 1974.[2] Since 2011, PSG has been majority-owned by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a sovereign wealth fund subsidiary, which has injected substantial capital to elevate the club from perennial mid-table status to domestic dominance and international contention through high-value player acquisitions and infrastructure enhancements.[3] Under QSI ownership, PSG has secured 13 Ligue 1 titles, including a record-extending 13th in the 2024–25 season, alongside numerous domestic cups, establishing it as France's most successful club by trophies won.[4] The club's European breakthrough came in 2025 with its first UEFA Champions League victory, followed by victory in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup against Flamengo, capping a season of quintuple success that included Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and UEFA Super Cup triumphs, following years of semifinal appearances marred by high-profile failures despite aggregating over €1.5 billion in transfer spending since 2011.[5][6] This era has been defined by star-studded squads featuring players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, fostering a global brand valued among the world's highest but drawing scrutiny for financial practices, including a €10 million UEFA fine in 2022 for breaching Financial Fair Play break-even rules amid allegations of inflated sponsorships tied to Qatari state entities.[7] PSG's model exemplifies state-backed sports investment's capacity for rapid ascent, yet underscores challenges in translating fiscal power into sustained elite competition, with critics highlighting distortions to competitive balance in European football.[7]
History
Founding and early development (1970–1990s)
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) was established on August 12, 1970, through the merger of Paris FC, founded in 1969 to represent the city of Paris in professional football, and Stade Saint-Germain, a club from the Paris suburbs established in 1904.[1][8] The merger aimed to create a unified professional team capable of competing at the highest level in France, addressing the absence of a major Parisian club in Division 1 since the decline of earlier entities like Red Star and Racing Club de France.[9] The new entity adopted the name Paris Saint-Germain and began competing in the 1970–71 Division 1 season, with home matches primarily at the Parc des Princes stadium.[1] The partnership dissolved after two seasons amid internal disagreements over resource allocation and club direction. In 1972, the clubs separated, with Paris FC retaining Division 1 status while PSG was relegated to Division 2.[8] PSG responded swiftly, securing promotion back to Division 1 by winning the 1973–74 Division 2 title under manager Just Fontaine, marking the club's return to the top flight for the 1974–75 season.[10] Despite this achievement, PSG experienced inconsistent results in Ligue 1 during the late 1970s, finishing mid-table and facing financial strains typical of newly promoted sides without strong industrial backing.[9] The 1980s brought PSG's first major successes. On May 15, 1982, the club won its inaugural Coupe de France, defeating AS Saint-Étienne 2–2 (6–5 on penalties) in the final at Parc des Princes, with goals from Nambatingue Toko and Mustapha Dahleb securing the victory in extra time and shootout.[11] This triumph provided stability and fan support. PSG then claimed its first Ligue 1 championship in the 1985–86 season, ending a 14-year title drought for Parisian football and establishing the club as a competitive force domestically.[12][9] Entering the 1990s, PSG built on this foundation with renewed ambition, particularly after the 1991 takeover by Canal+, which injected capital and professional management. The club won the 1993–94 Ligue 1 title and multiple Coupe de France honors, while advancing in European competitions, including the 1994–95 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals.[12] Key signings like George Weah and Safet Sušić enhanced the squad's quality, fostering a period of growth that transitioned PSG from regional contender to national powerhouse, though early challenges in consistent European progress highlighted the need for sustained investment.[10][9]Period of instability and resurgence (2000s)
Following the relative success of the 1990s, Paris Saint-Germain experienced a period of financial and competitive instability in the early 2000s, exacerbated by heavy spending on high-profile signings such as Nicolas Anelka in 2000 without corresponding on-pitch results, leading to mid-table Ligue 1 finishes and mounting debts under Canal+ ownership. The club, which had not won a league title since 1994, faced ongoing crises including administrative turmoil and threats of bankruptcy, prompting Canal+ to seek buyers amid broader financial pressures in French football.[13] In April 2006, Canal+ sold its majority stake to a consortium led by U.S.-based Colony Capital, along with Morgan Stanley and Butler Capital Partners, for 41 million euros, injecting fresh capital amid renewed interest spurred by a lucrative 600 million euro Ligue 1 broadcasting deal secured in 2004. This ownership change provided short-term stability, enabling investments in players like Pedro Pauleta, who became the club's all-time leading scorer during this era with 109 goals from 2000 to 2006. Under the new regime, PSG secured the Coupe de France in 2004 against Châteauroux and again in 2006 against rivals Marseille on penalties, marking rare silverware amid persistent league struggles.[14] However, instability persisted, culminating in a severe relegation scare during the 2007–08 Ligue 1 season, where PSG languished in the drop zone with four matches remaining under manager Paul Le Guen. On May 17, 2008, a dramatic 2–1 victory over Sochaux, sealed by Amara Diané's brace including a 90th-minute winner, preserved top-flight status by a single goal on goal difference, averting potential financial collapse. The club also claimed the Coupe de la Ligue in 2008, defeating Lens 1–0 in the final, but frequent managerial changes—Le Guen was sacked mid-season, replaced temporarily by Alain Perrin—and six presidents between 2008 and 2011 underscored ongoing administrative volatility.[13][15] Signs of resurgence emerged late in the decade with Antoine Kombouaré's appointment in 2009, fostering youth integration including talents like Mamadou Sakho and a more pragmatic approach that yielded a fourth-place Ligue 1 finish in 2010–11 and a Coupe de France triumph. Colony Capital's stewardship, though not transformative in league dominance, stabilized finances enough to reach the UEFA Europa League round of 16 in 2010–11, laying groundwork for future ambition while highlighting the club's reliance on domestic cups over consistent European contention.[13]Qatari investment and modern dominance (2011–present)
In June 2011, Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, acquired a 70% majority stake in Paris Saint-Germain for approximately €70 million, with the total transaction including debt relief valued at around €100 million overall.[3][16] This takeover, completed under the leadership of Nasser Al-Khelaïfi as club president, marked a shift from the club's previous ownership by Colony Capital, injecting substantial capital to elevate PSG's ambitions beyond domestic competition. Early investments included high-profile signings such as Javier Pastore for €42 million in August 2011, followed by Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimović in 2012, enabling the club to finish second in Ligue 1 that season under manager Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Antoine Kombouaré mid-campaign.[17][18] Under QSI's ownership, PSG established unprecedented domestic dominance in French football, securing 11 Ligue 1 titles from the 2012–13 season through 2024–25, including seven consecutive championships from 2012–13 to 2018–19. This run was bolstered by managers like Laurent Blanc (2013–2016), who delivered domestic trebles in 2014–15 and 2015–16, and sustained by heavy transfer spending exceeding €2 billion net since 2011, which outpaced rivals' budgets and ensured squad depth with stars such as Edinson Cavani, Marco Verratti, and later Neymar (€222 million from Barcelona in 2017) and Kylian Mbappé (initial loan in 2017, permanent for €180 million in 2018).[19] The club also amassed 8 Coupe de France titles and 5 Coupe de la Ligue wins in this period, rendering Ligue 1 competitions largely uncontested, with PSG often clinching titles early, as in April 2025 for their 13th overall French championship.[20][21] Despite domestic hegemony, PSG's European campaigns highlighted persistent challenges until a breakthrough in 2025, reaching the UEFA Champions League final in 2020 (losing 1–0 to Bayern Munich under Thomas Tuchel) but enduring semifinal exits in 2019–20, 2020–21, and others amid criticisms of over-reliance on individual talent over cohesive strategy.[22] Subsequent managers including Unai Emery, Mauricio Pochettino, Christophe Galtier, and Luis Enrique oversaw squad evolutions, culminating in Enrique's 2024–25 tenure where PSG won the Champions League 5–0 against Inter Milan in the final, completing a continental treble alongside Ligue 1 and Coupe de France victories, and achieving a quadruple with the Trophée des Champions.[23] This success followed Mbappé's departure in 2024, emphasizing a youth-integrated approach with players like Warren Zaïre-Emery and a tactical shift toward pressing and fluidity, finally delivering the elusive European crown after 14 years of investment totaling billions in transfers and infrastructure.[24]Identity
Crest evolution and colours
The official colors of Paris Saint-Germain F.C. are navy blue, red, and white, reflecting the tricolor of the French flag and adopted since the club's founding in 1970.[25][26] These hues symbolize national identity, with navy blue and red evoking Paris and white representing the fleur-de-lis associated with Saint-Germain-en-Laye.[27] The color scheme has remained consistent across kits, though initial 1970 kits featured predominantly red shirts with blue and white accents before standardizing to the navy blue base with red central stripe under designer Daniel Hechter in 1973.[28] The club's crest originated in 1970 as a blue football incorporating a red ship, a heraldic symbol of Paris from the city's coat of arms.[29] By 1972, it evolved to include the Eiffel Tower stylized as a cradle (berceau), representing the historical cradle of France linked to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, alongside a fleur-de-lis and the ship's motif, forming the core identity under Hechter's influence as club president.[30][31] This design persisted through the 1970s and into the 1980s, with minor adjustments in 1982 that refined the Eiffel Tower's silhouette for a more dynamic club emblem while retaining the cradle and traditional elements.[31][32] In 1990, a transitional version simplified proportions, followed by a 1992 redesign by Étienne Robial introducing a modular badge with three vertical rectangles in blue, red, and white containing "PSG" lettering, though the classic cradle motif reemerged in subsequent iterations.[25][32] The 2013 update marked a significant modernization, removing the cradle to streamline the Eiffel Tower into a standalone, minimalist silhouette framed by "PARIS" above and "SAINT-GERMAIN" below, emphasizing urban iconography over historical cradle symbolism while preserving the navy blue, red, and gold accents.[33] This version, refined in 2021 for sharper lines, remains in use as of 2025, prioritizing recognizability in global branding.[33]Anthems, mottos, and kit history
The official anthem of Paris Saint-Germain is "Allez Paris Saint-Germain", an adaptation of the Village People's 1978 song "Go West" customized for the club in 1979 with lyrics emphasizing unity and pride in PSG.[34] Supporters also commonly chant "Allez PSG!" during matches, with verses reinforcing club loyalty such as "PSG! Ton nom nous uni" and "Ici c'est Paris".[35] Additional fan songs include renditions of "O City of Lights" as a modern anthem and "We have Paris in our skin" to evoke deep affiliation with the city.[36] The club's primary motto is "Ici c'est Paris", translating to "This is Paris" or "Here it's Paris", which encapsulates the team's representation of Parisian identity and is frequently chanted by fans at home games to assert territorial pride.[37][38] The phrase gained prominence in club marketing from the mid-2010s onward, though it originated organically among supporters and led to disputes over its commercial use.[37] Paris Saint-Germain's kits have consistently incorporated the club's foundational colors of navy blue, red, and white since its 1970 founding, drawn from the Paris coat of arms and the French tricolore to symbolize regional and national heritage.[39][25] The home kit typically features a navy blue base with red accents, evolving from early plain designs to the iconic 1973 "Hechter cut" by designer Daniel Hechter—a central red vertical stripe bordered by white and thinner blue stripes—which became a staple through the 1970s and 1980s amid the club's initial successes.[40] Away kits have predominantly been white, with variations including black, pink, and burgundy for third options, while manufacturers have shifted from Le Coq Sportif (initially from 1973) to Adidas briefly in the 1980s and Nike from 1992 onward, with Jordan Brand (a Nike subsidiary) as the lead supplier since the 2022–23 season to align with global branding strategies.[41][42] These designs prioritize functionality and aesthetics, with recent iterations incorporating premium materials and sponsorship visibility to support the club's commercial expansion.[41]Stadium and facilities
The Parc des Princes stadium in Paris's 16th arrondissement has been Paris Saint-Germain's home venue since the club settled there permanently in 1974.[43] Originally opened in 1897 as a velodrome and rebuilt multiple times, the modern structure was inaugurated in 1972 with a design by architect Roger Taillibert.[43] It currently holds a capacity of approximately 48,000 spectators following seating optimizations.[43] [44] Between 2013 and 2016, the stadium underwent significant renovations under Qatar Sports Investments' ownership of the club, introducing VIP lounges, upgraded seating, giant screens, and improved connectivity while preserving its original architectural envelope.[43] These upgrades boosted matchday revenue from €20 million to €100 million annually by enhancing premium experiences.[45] The City of Paris owns the venue, with PSG holding usage rights via a concession; however, stalled negotiations over a potential €500 million renovation or outright purchase have prompted the club to deem the site outdated for its ambitions, citing revenue limitations from its size relative to European peers.[46] [44] As of mid-2025, PSG is evaluating sites in Massy and Poissy for a new 90,000-capacity stadium costing over €1 billion, potentially relocating from the Parc des Princes to align with long-term growth.[44] [47] PSG's primary training facilities are now consolidated at the Campus PSG in Poissy, a €300 million complex opened in July 2023 across 74 hectares, featuring 17 pitches including three hybrid surfaces for the first team.[48] [49] This site replaced the historic Camp des Loges in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which had served as the training base since 1974 and received a €5 million modernization in 2006 before transitioning to youth and academy use.[48] The first-team plateau spans 10,000 m² with specialized amenities such as high-tech fitness rooms, video analysis suites, therapeutic pools, medical centers, and private recovery bedrooms to support professional operations.[50]Ownership and Finances
Qatar Sports Investments acquisition
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a subsidiary of the state-owned Qatar Investment Authority established in 2005, acquired a controlling 70% stake in Paris Saint-Germain from the U.S.-based Colony Capital on June 30, 2011.[17] [3] The transaction valued the 70% share at approximately €70 million, placing the club's total enterprise value at €100 million, a figure reflecting PSG's mid-table position in Ligue 1 and limited European pedigree at the time.[51] QSI, directed by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani—then heir apparent and later Emir of Qatar—pursued the investment as part of a broader strategy to acquire high-profile sports assets, with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi appointed as PSG's president to oversee operations.[17] [52] The deal's completion followed Colony Capital's four-year ownership period, during which the firm had stabilized PSG financially after earlier instability but struggled to elevate its competitive standing.[53] QSI's entry injected immediate capital, enabling €37 million in summer 2011 transfer spending—triple that of reigning champions Lille—and marking the start of aggressive recruitment to build a title-contending squad.[17] On March 7, 2012, QSI exercised an option to purchase the remaining 30% stake from Colony Capital for an undisclosed sum, achieving 100% ownership and valuing the club at €100 million in the process.[53] This full consolidation, under Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's oversight as Emir since June 2013, positioned PSG for sustained investment backed by Qatar's sovereign wealth, though critics have attributed the move to state-driven image enhancement amid human rights scrutiny.[52] [54]Revenue streams, sponsorships, and financial growth
Paris Saint-Germain's primary revenue streams consist of commercial activities, broadcasting rights, and matchday income, supplemented by player transfers and other operations. In the 2023/24 season, the club recorded €808 million in total revenue, marking a record high driven predominantly by commercial earnings of €460 million, which encompass sponsorships and merchandising. Broadcasting revenue reached €178 million, reflecting an 8% increase from the prior year due to Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League distributions, while matchday receipts grew 9% to contribute modestly amid capacity constraints at the Parc des Princes. Player trading added further gains, with net profits from transfers supporting overall financial stability despite operating losses of €60 million.[55][56][57] Key sponsorship partnerships form the backbone of PSG's commercial revenue, with Qatar Airways serving as the principal shirt sponsor since 2020 under a multi-year extension through 2028, valued at approximately €70 million annually. Nike remains the kit manufacturer through a long-term deal extended to 2032, generating substantial licensing fees amplified by high-volume jersey sales, including over 1 million units following Lionel Messi's 2021 arrival. Additional collaborators include Jordan Brand for alternate kits, GOAT as a sleeve sponsor, and entities like Visit Qatar and Aspetar, collectively boosting sponsorship income which has tripled in value since the Qatari takeover. These deals leverage PSG's global brand, though their Qatari state affiliations have drawn scrutiny for inflating revenues beyond organic market growth.[58][59][60][61] Financial growth accelerated post-2011 acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments, transforming PSG from a €101 million revenue club to Europe's third-highest earner at €806 million in 2023/24, a 700%+ increase attributed to aggressive commercialization and star signings enhancing marketability. Commercial revenues specifically surged 25-fold to €281.9 million since 2011, outpacing matchday and media streams which grew steadily but remain secondary. This expansion, while compliant with UEFA's Financial Fair Play via diversified income, relies heavily on state-linked sponsorships, raising questions about sustainability absent such infusions. Projections for 2024/25 anticipate €850 million in revenue, fueled by expanded merchandising and potential Champions League progress.[3][62][63][55]| Season | Total Revenue (€m) | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2010/11 | 101 | Pre-QSI baseline |
| 2022/23 | 807 | Commercial expansion |
| 2023/24 | 808 | Sponsorships and broadcasting |
Compliance with financial regulations
Paris Saint-Germain has undergone several UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) investigations, primarily triggered by high-profile transfers such as those of Neymar and Kylian Mbappé in 2017, which raised concerns over compliance with break-even requirements.[65][66] In June 2018, UEFA initially deemed the club compliant but placed it under ongoing scrutiny.[67] The Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld this in March 2019, closing the probe without further sanctions.[68][69] In September 2022, UEFA's Club Financial Control Body imposed a €10 million unconditional fine on PSG for breaching break-even rules over the 2018–2021 monitoring periods, as part of a settlement agreement with eight clubs totaling €172 million in potential penalties.[70][7] An additional €55 million was conditional, tied to future compliance targets over three years, with the full potential fine reaching €65 million if unmet.[71][72] This followed reported losses exceeding €600 million since 2019, prompting a no-penalty settlement in 2023 to avoid severe repercussions.[73] Under French financial oversight by the Direction Nationale du Contrôle de Gestion (DNCG), PSG has maintained solvency and complied with Ligue 1's squad cost ratio rules, implemented in 2023 to cap payroll relative to revenue at 70% by 2025, through measures like player sales and wage adjustments.[74] No sanctions were issued for the 2022–2023 season, unlike some peers.[75] By July 2025, PSG met UEFA's 2024–2025 football earnings targets under its settlement, confirming compliance and avoiding further penalties.[76][77] The club's financial strategy, bolstered by Qatar Sports Investments, has navigated regulations via settlements rather than outright adherence, drawing criticism for exploiting sponsorship valuations linked to ownership, though UEFA has accepted these in rulings.[78]Achievements
Domestic titles and records
Paris Saint-Germain holds the record for the most titles in French domestic football across major competitions, with 13 Ligue 1 championships, 16 Coupe de France victories, nine Coupe de la Ligue triumphs (the competition's record before its discontinuation in 2020), and 13 Trophée des Champions wins.[23][79] These achievements reflect the club's dominance, particularly since the 2011 acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments, during which it secured 11 Ligue 1 titles, 12 Coupe de France, eight Coupe de la Ligue, and 11 Trophée des Champions.[4] The totals include one earlier Ligue 2 title in 1970–71.[80]| Competition | Titles | Most Recent Win | Record Holder Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ligue 1 | 13 | 2024–25 | Yes (surpassing Saint-Étienne's 10)[81][4] |
| Coupe de France | 16 | 2024–25 | Yes[82][83] |
| Coupe de la Ligue | 9 | 2019–20 | Yes[23] |
| Trophée des Champions | 13 | 2025 | Yes[23][84] |
| Ligue 2 | 1 | 1970–71 | N/A[80] |
European and international campaigns
Paris Saint-Germain's inaugural European campaign occurred in the 1974–75 UEFA Cup, where the club advanced to the second round before elimination by Hibernian. Subsequent participations in the UEFA Cup and Cup Winners' Cup yielded limited progress until the 1996–97 season, when PSG clinched their sole European title by defeating Rapid Wien 1–0 in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final on May 14, 1997, with a goal from Raí. The victory marked the club's only major European trophy prior to the Champions League era, achieved through a defensive strategy under coach Ricardo Gomes amid a squad featuring domestic talents like Bernard Lama and international signings.[87] Entry into the UEFA Champions League began in the 1994–95 season, with PSG reaching the group stage but failing to advance. The club experienced frequent early exits in the knockout rounds during the 2000s, including round of 16 defeats. Post-2011 Qatari investment, performances improved markedly, with quarter-final appearances in 2012–13 and 2014–15, the latter ending in a 3–1 aggregate loss to Barcelona despite a 4–0 first-leg win, marred by a controversial disallowed goal. Semi-final runs followed in 2015–16 (eliminated by Manchester City), 2019–20 (reaching the final but losing 1–0 to Bayern Munich), and 2020–21 (defeated by Manchester City).[24] Further semi-finals occurred in 2023–24, but PSG endured round of 16 eliminations in 2021–22 and 2022–23 against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in high-stakes matches despite heavy investments in stars like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé.[22] The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League represented PSG's breakthrough, culminating in a 5–0 final victory over Inter Milan on June 1, 2025, securing the club's first continental crown after navigating a challenging path including defeats of Brest, Liverpool, and others. This success, under Luis Enrique's management emphasizing collective play over individual reliance, ended a decade of near-misses and financial scrutiny under UEFA's regulations.[5] [24] Internationally, qualification for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as European champions led to a runners-up finish, with PSG advancing through group stages and quarter-finals (defeating Bayern Munich) before a 3–0 final loss to Chelsea on July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium. The tournament, expanded to 32 teams, exposed defensive lapses against Chelsea's counter-attacks, despite PSG's offensive output in prior rounds. No prior intercontinental titles have been won, with PSG's global exposure limited to friendly tours and this debut competitive outing.[88]Individual and team milestones
Paris Saint-Germain has achieved numerous team milestones, including 13 Ligue 1 titles, with the first in the 1985–86 season and the most recent in 2024–25, establishing the club as the joint-most successful in French top-flight history alongside Saint-Étienne.[80] The club has also secured 16 Coupe de France triumphs, the highest tally in the competition, and 9 Coupe de la Ligue titles, further underscoring domestic dominance particularly after Qatar Sports Investments' acquisition in 2011, which facilitated 12 of those Ligue 1 victories.[80] In European competitions, PSG claimed its inaugural major continental honor with the 1996 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, defeating Rapid Wien 1–0 in the final on May 8, 1996, before reaching the pinnacle with the 2025 UEFA Champions League title, a 5–0 victory over Inter Milan in the final on June 1, 2025, marking only the second French club to win the competition after Marseille in 1993.[80] [22] The subsequent 2025 UEFA Super Cup win completed a treble that year, contributing to a total of 56 major trophies as of 2025.[80] Notable team records include scoring 108 goals in the 2017–18 Ligue 1 season, the highest in a single top-flight campaign, and maintaining 51 consecutive seasons in Ligue 1 as of 2024–25, a national record.[89] In the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, PSG set a record for most goals in a calendar year with 38 by October 2025, reflecting an aggressive attacking style under manager Luis Enrique.[90] On the individual front, Kylian Mbappé holds the club record for most goals, tallying 256 in 308 appearances between 2017 and 2024, surpassing Edinson Cavani's previous mark of 200. Zlatan Ibrahimović set the single-season scoring benchmark with 50 goals across all competitions in 2015–16, including 38 in Ligue 1 alone.[91] Ousmane Dembélé achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2025 Ballon d'Or on September 22, 2025, becoming the first player to claim the award while at PSG, following standout performances that included Ligue 1 Player of the Season and UEFA Champions League Player of the Year honors.[92] [93] Captain Marquinhos amassed the most trophies with the club, winning 10 Ligue 1 titles and 35 overall as of 2025.[94] PSG's 2024–25 season yielded 14 awards at the UNFP Trophées, highlighting collective individual excellence.[95]Players and Personnel
Current first-team squad
As of October 2025, Paris Saint-Germain's first-team squad for the 2025–26 season comprises 24 players across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, reflecting recent transfers including arrivals such as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and João Neves.[96][97]| No. | Position | Player | Nationality | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | ||||
| 30 | GK | Lucas Chevalier | France | 23 |
| 39 | GK | Matvey Safonov | Russia | 26 |
| 89 | GK | Renato Marin | Italy/Brazil | 19 |
| Defenders | ||||
| 2 | DF | Achraf Hakimi | Morocco/Spain | 26 |
| 4 | DF | Lucas Beraldo | Brazil | 21 |
| 5 | DF | Marquinhos | Brazil/Portugal | 31 |
| 6 | DF | Ilya Zabarnyi | Ukraine | 23 |
| 21 | DF | Lucas Hernández | France/Spain | 29 |
| 25 | DF | Nuno Mendes | Portugal | 23 |
| 43 | DF | Noham Kamara | France/Senegal | 18 |
| 51 | DF | Willian Pacho | Ecuador | 24 |
| Midfielders | ||||
| 8 | MF | Fabián Ruiz | Spain | 29 |
| 17 | MF | Vitinha | Portugal | 25 |
| 24 | MF | Senny Mayulu | France/DR Congo | 19 |
| 33 | MF | Warren Zaïre-Emery | France | 19 |
| 87 | MF | João Neves | Portugal | 21 |
| Forwards | ||||
| 7 | FW | Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | Georgia | 24 |
| 9 | FW | Gonçalo Ramos | Portugal | 24 |
| 10 | FW | Ousmane Dembélé | France | 28 |
| 14 | FW | Désiré Doué | France/Ivory Coast | 20 |
| 19 | FW | Kang-in Lee | South Korea | 24 |
| 29 | FW | Bradley Barcola | France/Togo | 23 |
| 47 | FW | Quentin Ndjantou | France/Cameroon | 18 |
| 49 | FW | Ibrahim Mbaye | France/Senegal | 17 |
Notable former players and transfers
Paris Saint-Germain has featured numerous high-profile players who have since departed, many arriving via record-breaking transfers that underscored the club's Qatari-backed ambitions. Zlatan Ibrahimović, signed on a free transfer from AC Milan in July 2012, became a prolific scorer with 156 goals in 180 appearances across all competitions, leading PSG to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles (2012–13 to 2015–16) and two domestic trebles during his tenure.[98] His physical dominance and clutch performances, including a hat-trick in a 6–1 Ligue 1 win over Troyes in 2016, cemented his legacy before departing to Manchester United in 2016. Similarly, Thiago Silva, acquired for €10 million from AC Milan in 2012, captained the side for eight seasons, making 315 appearances and contributing to seven Ligue 1 titles and a 2020 Champions League final run, prior to joining Chelsea on a free transfer in 2020.[99] Other standout former players include Edinson Cavani, who joined from Napoli for €64 million in 2013 and netted 200 goals in 304 games, forming a lethal partnership with Ibrahimović and helping secure multiple domestic doubles until his free move to Atlético Madrid in 2020. Marco Verratti, signed for €11.5 million from Pescara in 2012, provided midfield control in 432 appearances and seven Ligue 1 triumphs before transferring to Al-Arabi on a free in 2023. David Beckham's short-term loan from LA Galaxy in 2008 added global appeal, with four goals in 14 appearances, while Ronaldinho's 2001–03 stint yielded 25 goals in 55 games and a Ligue 1 title in 2002, revitalizing the club post-relegation scare. Earlier icons like George Weah, who scored 55 goals from 1988–1995 including a standout 1991 season with 14 league goals, and Raí, with 67 goals across two spells (1993–97 and 2000), contributed to PSG's 1990s European pushes, including a 1996–97 Cup Winners' Cup semifinal.[100][101] PSG's transfer activity has often set benchmarks, particularly incoming deals for players who later departed. The club's record signing remains Neymar, transferred from Barcelona for €222 million in August 2017—the highest fee in football history at the time—where he recorded 118 goals in 173 appearances and reached the 2020 Champions League final before moving to Al-Hilal for €90 million in August 2023. Kylian Mbappé arrived from Monaco for €180 million in 2018 (with €35 million in bonuses), amassing 256 goals in 308 games and six Ligue 1 titles, departing on a free to Real Madrid in July 2024 after a protracted saga. Lionel Messi joined on a free from Barcelona in 2021, scoring 32 goals in 75 appearances including a 2021–22 domestic treble, but left for Inter Miami in 2023 amid reported tensions over his contract extension. Outgoing transfers have recouped funds selectively, such as €60 million for Gonçalo Ramos to... wait, no, but notable sales include Neymar's aforementioned exit and €42 million for Achraf Hakimi's initial loan-to-buy from Inter in 2020 (though he remains). These deals highlight PSG's strategy of high-investment recruitment, often scrutinized for inflating market values without proportional European success.[102][103][104]| Player | Transfer In (Fee, Year) | Key Contribution | Transfer Out (Fee, Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neymar | Barcelona (€222m, 2017) | 118 goals, 2020 CL final | Al-Hilal (€90m, 2023)[102] |
| Kylian Mbappé | Monaco (€180m, 2018) | 256 goals, 6 Ligue 1 titles | Real Madrid (Free, 2024)[103] |
| Edinson Cavani | Napoli (€64m, 2013) | 200 goals in 304 apps | Atlético Madrid (Free, 2020)[98] |
Management and coaching staff
Paris Saint-Germain's executive leadership is headed by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, who serves as president and chairman of the supervisory board, a position he has held since Qatar Sports Investments acquired majority ownership in 2011.[105] Al-Khelaïfi, also chairman of Qatar Sports Investments, oversees strategic direction, including commercial partnerships and sporting ambitions, with the club achieving its first UEFA Champions League title under his tenure in the 2024–25 season.[106] The chief executive officer role is filled by Victoriano Melero, appointed on October 11, 2024, succeeding Jean-Claude Blanc, with a mandate to enhance operational innovation, performance metrics, and excellence across club functions.[107] Melero reports directly to Al-Khelaïfi and collaborates with key executives such as Chief People Officer Caroline Jucla and Chief Legal Officer Julien Letellier.[108] In July 2025, the executive team expanded with the addition of Anne Descamps to the top management committee, focusing on enhanced governance and stakeholder relations.[109] The first-team coaching staff is led by head coach Luis Enrique, a Spanish manager appointed in July 2023 on a two-year contract extended through success in domestic and European competitions, including the 2024–25 Ligue 1 title and Champions League victory.[110] Enrique's approach emphasizes high-pressing tactics, youth integration, and squad rotation, contributing to PSG's unbeaten Ligue 1 campaign in 2024–25.[111] His assistants include Rafel Pol Cabanellas and Guillem Hernández Folguera, both Spanish tacticians with prior experience under Enrique at Barcelona and the Spain national team.[110] Key support roles within the coaching setup are detailed below:| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Fitness Coach | Pedro Gómez Piqueras |
| Fitness Assistant | Alberto Piernas Carcelén |
| Goalkeeper Coach | Borja Álvarez Buedo |
| Goalkeeper Assistant | Nicolas Cousin |
| Psychologist | Joaquín Valdés Fonseca |
| Video Analysts | Vincent Brunet, Antoine Guillotin, Quentin Billy[110] |