PSG or Paris Saint Germain, are one of France’s best football clubs based out of the capital city of Paris. The club is relatively new with just over 50 years in existence. The club sports a crest of the Eiffel tower in French colors. And in this short history, the club has been through rapid declines and changes in the fortune of the club. Outside France, PSG is one of the most well-known and supported French footballing clubs. Several legends who have graced the game have played for PSG at some point or the other. Players including Ronaldinho, Neymar, Cavani, Ibrahimovic, Mbappe and Messi. Paris Saint Germain has a rich history in French football being a top-tier and highly successful club. The club has won over 40 titles and Cups that include 9 Ligue 1 titles in the French League and other domestic titles. PSG is a relatively younger club as compared to others that have been around for more than a century. And because of this, they’ve not won many European titles and 0 Champions League trophies. In fact, 2020 was the first time PSG reached a UEFA CL finals, losing out to Bayern. We look at what made PSG, where they currently stand today, and what it means for the future of PSG.
PSG Football Club’s Past
Paris Saint Germain was originally founded in the early 1970s. It took the club a decade to win their first trophy and around 15 years for the Ligue Title. All in all, the club has won Ligue 1 9 times with the most recent win in 2020 and the Coupe de France 13 ties in all.
1. The 1990s – The 90s were a good time for PSG Football Club as it saw the club establish itself as a force in France and a top-competing European club. During this time, the club managed to win the Ligue 1, a couple of League Cups, a couple of French Cups, the UEFA Cup Winners Cup, etc. Overall, the club won 9 trophies during this time with players such as Weah, Rai, and Ginola.
2. The 2000s – The period of the 2000s saw a decline for PSG compared to the previous decade. At the time, Ronaldinho, one of the greatest players in world football, played for PSG but was unable to change its fortunes. In fact, PSG almost got relegated from Ligue 1 twice, but narrowly escaped the drop.
3. The 2010s – With better finances and a board willing to support the club, PSG has had a period of a resurgence since 2011. The current ruler of Qatar is also the owner of the French football club, making it one of the richest clubs in the world. And with new money also came in new players in the form of Ibrahimovic, Silva, Cavani, Neymar, Mbappe, etc. (the last two for world-record and near world-record transfer fees).
PSG’s Present
Paris Saint Germain Football Club are currently the dominant force in France. The club has won the French League in 7 out of the last 8 seasons. They’re in a similar position to Bayern Munich in their home League in terms of League dominance. However, the Champions League trophy the club is pursuing is very elusive. The club reached the Champions League finals for the first time only in 2020. While PSG didn’t win, they’ve set their sights on winning the UEFA Champions League soon. The current manager of the club is Thomas Tuchel. Some of the current stars at the club include Kimpembe, Veratti, Icardi, Mbappe, Neymar, Di Maria, Draxler, etc. PSG has other sporting departments too. Examples include an esports division for professional gamers in France and across the globe.
PSG’s Future
Paris Saint Germain Football Club goes through decades of dominance and then periods of struggle (usually off the pitch). With enough financial security and the club bringing in top players, it’s hard to see any other French team displace PSG in the League. However, the club’s main target is the Champions League and Tuchel’s job will depend on it. The club will also look to build a formidable squad around Kylian Mbappe, a French prodigy in the making. One area PSG needs to keep an eye on is FFP rules. By bringing in star players for exorbitant amounts and not making corresponding income sales, the club is flouting FIFA’s rules. While this may not see any immediate harm, it may result in sanctions or bans, in the long run, giving rise to more new problems for the Parisian club.
