Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi spoke with emotion and pride on France 5’s C à Vous show, reflecting on the club’s emphatic Champions League final win over Inter Milan in Berlin on May 31. Celebrating what he called a “paradigm shift” at PSG, al-Khelaifi emphasised a new team-first philosophy and the rise of a united, hard-working squad over individual stardom — marking a bold departure from the club’s past.
Al-Khelaifi said on the show: “Today, the superstar is the team. We are a family, 23 soldiers on and off the pitch. We have stars today, we have Dembele, Marquinhos, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi, we have many players, and the whole team is a star. But today the stars play and work for the team.”
PSG’s new approach, centered on the collective and the promotion of young talent, marks a break with the era of individual superstars. The PSG president paid tribute to other major French clubs: “We are proud to represent France alongside Monaco, Brest and Lille. French football is shining in Europe thanks to all these clubs.”
The show was punctuated by video messages of congratulations from prominent personalities and players. Ousmane Dembele, PSG's star striker, paid special tribute to his president: “When I signed for Paris Saint-Germain, he told me that we were going to achieve our objectives, that we were going to win the most beautiful competition. Two years later, we did it. It's exceptional.”
Al-Khelaifi in return praised the player: “Ousmane Dembele should get the Ballon d'Or. He's a magnificent player, generous on the pitch and off it, he's an example.”
Malik Bentalha and Teddy Riner also praised the al-Khelaifi’ commitment and vision.
Al- Khelaifi was full of praise for the supporters: “Our supporters are the best in the world. I want to thank all of France and all the French people, for once I felt all of France behind us. That touched us deeply.”
The PSG president also had warm words for the club's former iconic players: “I want to thank Kylian Mbappe for what he gave to the club. Mbappe, Messi, Neymar, Ibrahimovic... all the players, because it was an important period for the club. We're lucky this year, but I wish Mbappe the best at Real Madrid, from the bottom of my heart.”
Speaking about the next star that will soon adorn the Parisian jersey, al-Khelaifi was measured: “We haven't decided yet, we want to play with the star for the Club World Cup, but we must remain humble. This star is magnificent, but the most important thing is the name: 'Paris Saint-Germain'.”
Behind the scenes of the show, al-Khelaifi had the opportunity to chat with singer Sting, also a guest on the show, who praised the consistency of the PSG’s project. Al-Khelaifi said he was particularly touched by these spontaneous exchanges.
Moved, al-Khelaifi concluded by dedicating this victory to his recently deceased mother: “It's difficult to talk about... but she was with me. It was her dream for us to win this Champions League. This trophy is for my mother too.”
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Paris St Germain’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scores against Aston Villa during the Champions League quarter-final first leg match at the Parc des Princes in Paris. (Reuters)
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