By Africa Live News
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has taken a pointed swipe at former PSG superstar Kylian Mbappé following the club’s long-awaited UEFA Champions League victory—just one year after the French captain departed for Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Mbappé, who left the Ligue 1 champions in the summer of 2024 after seven trophy-laden years, was notably absent when PSG claimed their first-ever Champions League title, defeating a string of top Premier League sides en route to the trophy.
In a recent interview with Al-Kass Sport, Al-Khelaifi praised PSG’s resilience and fired a subtle jab at the La Liga-based Mbappé, suggesting the Spanish league is an easier environment for forwards to flourish compared to France’s Ligue 1.
“It’s easier to score goals in La Liga than in Ligue 1,” Al-Khelaifi stated, in what many fans and pundits viewed as a clear reference to Mbappé’s decision to leave.
A Title Without Their Star
PSG’s Champions League triumph came just 12 months after Mbappé’s high-profile exit to Real Madrid, marking a poetic twist in the club’s history. While Mbappé became the all-time top scorer for PSG with 256 goals and 108 assists in just 308 appearances, he was unable to lead the Parisians to European glory during his tenure.
Their European conquest this season included impressive victories over Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal—a dominant run that silenced years of criticism about the quality of Ligue 1 and PSG’s readiness for elite European competition.
“From the Farmer’s League to Champions of Europe”
Al-Khelaifi took the opportunity to hit back at critics who have long dismissed Ligue 1 as a “farmer’s league,” a derogatory term used by English football fans to undermine the competitiveness of French football.
“We ended up beating Manchester City, Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal in the Champions League this season,” the PSG president said.
“That shows that Ligue 1 clubs can go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. Luis Enrique has done a phenomenal job and made us all proud.”
Indeed, under the stewardship of Spanish coach Luis Enrique, PSG found a new identity—one that prioritized collective strength over individual brilliance. Many believe that the departure of Mbappé allowed the team to operate with more tactical flexibility and unity.
A Subtle Warning to Madrid?
While Al-Khelaifi refrained from directly naming Mbappé in his comments, his remark about goal-scoring ease in La Liga was widely interpreted as a message aimed at the French superstar, who now plies his trade at Real Madrid.
The timing of the statement was telling, coming shortly after Mbappé’s interview with RMC Sport in which he admitted that he had no regrets about leaving PSG but acknowledged that “fate” had delivered the Champions League to his former club without him.
“I would have tried anything. It’s just fate that it had to happen without me,” Mbappé said.
Al-Khelaifi’s comment adds another layer to the increasingly strained narrative between PSG and their former talisman, who spent years carrying the hopes of the Parisian club but ultimately fell short on the European stage.
Mbappé’s Legacy Still Intact
Despite the back-and-forth, Kylian Mbappé remains an iconic figure in PSG’s history. The Bondy-born forward joined PSG from AS Monaco in 2017 and quickly became one of the most electrifying players in world football. His incredible goal tally, individual accolades, and leadership helped raise the club’s global profile.
However, the one prize that eluded both him and PSG for years was the UEFA Champions League—a dream that came true only after his departure.
PSG’s victory also made them just the second Ligue 1 team to win Europe’s premier club competition, following in the footsteps of Olympique de Marseille, who lifted the trophy in 1993.
Luis Enrique’s Tactical Revolution
Much of PSG’s newfound success has been attributed to the arrival of Luis Enrique, who took over the reins after Christophe Galtier’s exit. The former Barcelona and Spain boss emphasized pressing football, fluid attacking, and positional discipline—transforming PSG into a more balanced team.
“No one gave us a chance to go this far, let alone win it,” said Al-Khelaifi.
“But Luis [Enrique] brought belief, structure, and harmony to the dressing room. This title belongs to every player who sacrificed and every fan who never stopped believing.”
His system allowed players like Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha, and Bradley Barcola to flourish, shifting attention away from the previous superstar-driven approach.
Looking Ahead: Real Madrid vs PSG?
While PSG basks in the glory of their maiden Champions League title, attention now turns to how Mbappé will perform in Spain—especially under the weight of expectations from fans who are eager to see him bring similar success to the Santiago Bernabéu.
A potential Champions League face-off between PSG and Real Madrid next season would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fixtures in world football, promising a highly emotional reunion between Mbappé and his former teammates.
No Love Lost
Though there’s no official rift between Mbappé and PSG’s leadership, the tone of recent comments suggests a cooling of relations.
Fans across social media have also been divided. While some defend Mbappé’s right to seek new challenges, others feel vindicated that PSG finally triumphed without him.
“He left to win the Champions League, and we won it without him. Football writes its own stories,” one PSG fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
