Starting a new chapter: How PSG changed for the better in 2024-25

In the purest sense of the word, football boils down to the 90 minutes of action that unfolds on the field when two teams of eleven players each step onto the pitch with the common goal of scoring the goal.

However, the sport has continued to evolve over time and with this evolution has come several external factors that directly influence a team’s success.

In today’s world, it is no secret that economic power is such a huge factor that plays a leading role in this. It is no coincidence that the most successful clubs in the sport today are those with the greatest revenue or cash flow.

PSG was known for its financial performance long before its sporting successes.

Qatari ownership has ensured that the club has rarely, if ever, faced a lack of funds in its efforts to improve the team, and it wasn’t that long ago that the team featured legends from top to bottom.

Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., Kylian Mbappe, Sergio Ramos – the PSG team boasted the biggest names in football on one page two years ago. On paper, no side in Europe could surpass them, or so it seemed.

PSG seems to have learned from its mistakes. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)

Despite hosting the elite names and lining up together on the pitch, the Parisians failed to win their first UEFA Champions League title.

Considering that European success was the motto behind bringing together legends, it’s safe to say that PSG failed in its goal of buying their way to success.

A big lesson learned from the star-studded team’s failure to conquer Europe was the fact that football will always remain an unadulterated sport in its purest form.

Regardless of the various factors that threaten to jeopardize the integrity of the sport, it is simply impossible to succeed on economic strength and PSG has therefore made the decision for the better – to give priority to the sporting project.

Today’s PSG is almost indistinguishable from the version it presented two years ago. With Lionel Messi, Neymar, Ramos, Rabiot and even Kylian Mbappe no longer at the club, the Parisians have a completely new look.

Luis Enrique now has complete control of the project he is building at the French institution and appears to be making solid progress on several fronts with the right transfers.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Therefore, PSG has a completely new look this season. With no big names, they may lack figureheads to attract fans. However, the changes bode well for the team’s performance on the field.

Unlike previous seasons where the team relied on individual brilliance to get through on the big nights, there appears to be a better collective performance on Luis Enrique’s side.

The players appear connected on the field and know that every little contribution they make contributes to the betterment of the team. United by a common goal, there is serious cohesion and belief within the team.

Certain players have actually committed more to PSG than others this season – Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola and Joao Neves are just a few at the top of the list.

However, there’s no one who you can say didn’t look impressive and committed to the project this season.

Everyone knows their role, from Gigi Donnarumma in goal to players like Vitinha, Kang-In Lee and Marquinhos.

PSG is building new ground. (Photo by Maryam Majd/Getty Images)

As the manager conveyed to each individual his importance to the project, even the substitute players seized their chances with both hands.

Finally, Marco Asensio has done a good job filling in for the absence of Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani has now made a good start to cover the centre-forward position after the Spaniard suffered a setback himself.

With this, PSG has started a new chapter and has planned a drastically different version for this season.

The move was not entirely welcome as the club fought hard to keep Mbappe over the summer. In hindsight, perhaps it was for the best, as it helped the rest of the team open their wings and unite as a group.

With five wins and one draw so far this season, they have made a dream start and look ready for more.

One hopes that the renewed camaraderie and new spirit will soon lead them to the successes they so desperately desire and that the future looks bright for the French giants.