Paris Saint-Germain’s Evolution: A New Era Begins
In the final month of a transformative season for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Kylian Mbappé found himself reflecting on his journey in a dimly lit room. Just a short time before, he had been at the center of a powerful message delivered by his new head coach, Luis Enrique. The Spanish coach’s fervent speech emphasized the importance of teamwork and dedication beyond individual talent, drawing comparisons to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Enrique emphasized that greatness comes not just from scoring goals but from the collective effort on the field. “You need to lead a passionate press,” he told Mbappé. “If you do that, we will become a formidable team.” This vision presented a challenge for Mbappé, recognized as PSG’s star player but also known for his reluctance to consistently defend.
Enrique joined PSG to implement a more cohesive strategy, hoping to shift the narrative from the team’s past reliance on superstar performances. Over the years, players like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, and Lionel Messi were regarded as untouchable icons. But, as Enrique noted in a documentary, by the time he took the helm, PSG was left with only one of those superstars, and the effects were profound.
During his first year at the club, Enrique quickly understood that building a robust team would require changes in how they approached the game. “We design our defense to prevent him from tiring and structure our attack to give him freedom,” Enrique had remarked. Such strategies hinted at the difficulty of forming an efficient unit with a sole star supposedly carrying the burden.
As the season progressed, however, the dynamics began to shift. Mbappé’s departure in 2025 marked a significant turning point for PSG, and it set the stage for what was to come. Following his exit, the team flourished, displaying a newfound strength and unity. PSG’s latest match culminated in a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, which not only secured their first UEFA Champions League title but also underscored Enrique’s transformative influence.
With a gleam in his eye, Enrique celebrated the achievement, dedicating it to his late daughter, reminding everyone of the personal stakes involved in securing such a victory. Acknowledging the flaws in the previous superstar-driven model, he reflected, “Under past management, PSG was never a possibility for me. That era, filled with big names, was not what I envisioned.”
The team that captivated soccer fans worldwide for years failed to deliver critical victories in the Champions League. Despite their impressive roster, their games often felt disjoined and lacked the synchronization necessary for success. Messi, nearing the end of his career, struggled to press; Neymar’s physical fragility limited his contribution; and Mbappé sometimes opted to conserve energy instead of pressuring opponents.
Modern soccer demands a unified effort from all players, attacking and defending as one cohesive unit. The best teams create pressure and transition smoothly, engaging all players in the flow of the game. This principle became a driving force for Enrique’s PSG.
Over the next two years, PSG transformed, investing around $800 million mainly in young, promising talents – players like Désire Doué and João Neves. The goal was to build a team full of energetic, eager individuals willing to follow Enrique’s disciplined approach. This commitment to a collective work ethic and strategic gameplay led them to become the “f***ing machine” Enrique envisioned.
Their impressive journey included intense matches, such as their confrontation with Liverpool in the Round of 16 of the Champions League, where their relentless pressing rattled their opponents, showcasing a newfound vigor.
The Champions League final marked the culmination of their efforts, highlighting not just their beautiful attacking style but also their vigorous defense. Right from the first minutes of the game, PSG set the tone, demonstrating assertiveness that unsettled Inter Milan. Within minutes, teamwork led to an exquisite goal that emphasized how far they had come.
On that memorable Saturday, PSG didn’t just secure a championship; they proved that the era of relying solely on superstars was over. The coaching style that prioritized unity, effort, and strategy allowed them to shine without being reliant on singular brilliance. As the season drew to a close, PSG stood not just as champions, but as a testament to the possible when a team commits to a shared vision, bringing back the love of collective soccer.
