Paris Saint-Germain has undergone a significant transformation since Qatar Sports Investments took ownership in 2011. Prior to the takeover, the club had not secured a Ligue 1 title since the 1993-94 season and hadn`t appeared in a major European final since winning the Intertoto Cup in 2001-02. Fast forward to today, and PSG has reached the Champions League final, set to face Inter on May 31. This achievement comes after securing their eighth league title in the last decade, and the club is potentially heading towards a treble season, notably without their all-time leading scorer, Kylian Mbappe, who transferred to Real Madrid in the summer.
What was initially anticipated as a rebuilding phase has unexpectedly produced one of PSG`s strongest teams in recent memory. This squad has the potential to elevate the club further by securing the elusive first Champions League title in its history. Such a victory would not only be a monumental achievement for PSG but also a significant moment for French football as a whole. No French club has won the UEFA Champions League since Marseille in 1993, a long drought that PSG now has the opportunity to end.
Reflecting on this period of growth, former French international and current CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry offered strong praise for Paris Saint-Germain`s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
Henry commented on the immense pressure Al-Khelaifi faced, stating, “Being French, I know the pressure that you came under, and you know this town is not a nice one when things aren’t going well.” He commended Al-Khelaifi`s conduct, noting, “I have to say that you always conducted yourself really well, you listened to what was missing.” Henry recalled discussing the need for a younger team and praised the recruitment of the current coach: “When you went to get Luis Enrique, I said to you, `You got a proper coach, he doesn’t mess around, you will see.`”
Expressing gratitude, Henry added, “I wanted to say, thank you, because you changed the way people see Paris Saint-Germain.” He contrasted the club`s current image with his youth, highlighting changes like improved community access to games. Henry expressed his hope for a Champions League win: “hopefully you can make the next step and bring another star. I know it’s my team you knocked out, but I want Paris Saint-Germain to win it because it will seal what you’ve done and the way you’ve done it, and you put Paris back on the map.”
How to watch the Champions League final, odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
Benedict Kingsley