Even amidst the celebratory champagne and confetti, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi delivered a subtle message that transcended the mere victory—highlighting the absence of certain key individuals from the festivities.
Paris Saint-Germain has been crowned Ligue 1 champion for the 2024-25 season, marking its 13th French title—an impressive record-extending triumph achieved with six games to spare. The Parisians’ 1-0 victory over Angers solidified their position at the top, later confirmed by Monaco’s loss at Brest, granting PSG an unassailable 24-point lead.
At Parc des Princes, even as the champagne flowed and confetti fell, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s subtle message was not merely about celebrating the victory—it pointedly addressed the absence of some individuals from the celebrations.
In a notable shift in tone, Al-Khelaifi aimed a subtle jab at the club’s previous superstar era, characterized by prominent names, hefty wages, and ultimately unfulfilled UEFA Champions League aspirations. With Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe now departed, the president’s remarks resonated as more than just celebration—they signified a nine-word declaration of a new identity.
This season’s PSG has showcased clinical performance. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, the team remains undefeated in Ligue 1 after 28 matches, achieving 23 wins and five draws. Their remarkable 80 goals scored against just 26 conceded demonstrate both attacking prowess and defensive discipline.
Another title secured! ❤️💙
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) April 5, 2025
Captain Marquinhos, now a 10-time Ligue 1 champion, also reflected on this evolution, noting that in this ‘post-Galactico’ era, the team feels more cohesive and aligned than ever.
Al-Khelaifi’s Dig Echoes Loudest
During the celebrations, Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s statement may be remembered as the defining quote of the season, suggesting that it’s ‘extra special to win the title undefeated until now.’
On the surface, this phrase seems simple, but in context, it hits like a strategic jab. This was not mere praise for an unbeaten side—it was a symbolic critique of previous years, where despite the presence of three of the world’s most famous stars in Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, the Red-and-Blues never achieved such a cohesive and efficient campaign.
Al-Khelaifi further emphasized the club’s philosophical transformation: “Everyone across the world of football has seen and admired the development of the Paris Saint-Germain team in this new era – our philosophy is based on the collective above everything else. The star of Paris Saint-Germain is the team, and this star is shining so brightly.”
Rebuilding, Reinventing—and Still Climbing
With these remarks, the club president effectively concluded the chapter on PSG’s recent past—a period where individual brilliance often compromised team chemistry and balance. This new PSG, he asserts, is a family, a unit, and above all, a team.
The contrast has never been starker. Messi is now in Miami, Neymar’s in Brazil after a stint in Saudi Arabia, and Mbappe finally realized his dream move to Real Madrid. Where their departures might have once been seen as disastrous, this season has proven otherwise.
The French outfit now appears leaner, hungrier, and more focused. Luis Enrique, along with sporting advisor Luis Campos, has ushered in a new vision. The spotlight is now shared, the effort collective, and the rewards are evident.
