"PSG was once considered the ugly duckling of European football. Their ambitious project never quite achieved the desired success, often stumbling at crucial moments," AS commented. "But everything changed when Al-Khelaifi put his faith in Enrique. Less than two months after their historic Champions League triumph, PSG will contest the most significant FIFA Club World Cup final in their history, concluding a remarkable season."

Coach Luis Enrique celebrates after PSG's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 9/7/2025. Photo: AS

Coach Luis Enrique celebrates after PSG's 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the FIFA Club World Cup semi-final at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, USA on 9/7/2025. Photo: AS

Enrique took the helm at PSG in the summer of 2023, securing a domestic treble – Ligue 1, French Cup, and French Super Cup – in his first season. In the 2024-2025 season, he not only replicated this feat but also led the Parisian club to their first Champions League title, crushing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

PSG's dominance continued into the FIFA Club World Cup, where they scored 16 goals and conceded only 1. Their 4-0 demolition of Real Madrid secured a place in the final against Chelsea at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 13/7.

According to AS, Enrique's most significant contribution has been fostering a team-oriented playing style, not reliant on a single star, starting with the departure of Kylian Mbappe. His statement a year ago, expressing confidence that the club would be stronger in 2025, once met with skepticism by the French press, has now been vindicated. Mbappe's exit transformed PSG, fostering unity and a shared sense of purpose.

Ousmane Dembele exemplifies this transformation. From an inconsistent player at Barca, under Enrique's guidance, the French forward has become one of the world's best, a strong contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He has 34 goals and 15 assists to his name, along with impressive off-the-ball movement.

Enrique has also transformed Achraf Hakimi from a traditional full-back into a complete player. Left-back Nuno Mendes, and midfielders Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, and Joao Neves are other players who have made remarkable progress under the Spanish coach. As a result, PSG has enjoyed an unprecedentedly successful season, regardless of the FIFA Club World Cup final outcome.

Even before this season’s successes, PSG had been steadily progressing under Al-Khelaifi, particularly financially. Data released by the Center for Sports Law and Economics (CDES) at the end of 2024 revealed PSG's average annual growth of 17.4%, with revenue increasing from 110 million USD in the 2010-2011 season to 940 million USD currently.

Ticket sales rose from 28 million USD in 2010-2011 to nearly 200 million USD. Sponsorship revenue reached a record 330 million USD last season, surpassing even broadcasting rights (208 million USD).

"With soaring revenue, PSG is no longer just Paris's traditional club but a global giant, even influencing the French economy," observed Claudio Fiorito, President of P&P Sport Management Brazil. "Revenue has skyrocketed, tourism has grown, media attention has increased, and French football has gained a new status. The Champions League title proves that this ambitious project has changed the game for the club, both on and off the pitch."

According to the Center for Sports Law and Economics, over the past 14 years (2011-2025), PSG has contributed 285 million USD to the Parisian economy, primarily through matches at Parc des Princes, creating new jobs and boosting tourism.

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi holds the Champions League trophy during the victory celebration outside Parc des Princes, Paris, France on 1/6/2025. Photo: AFP

President Nasser Al-Khelaifi holds the Champions League trophy during the victory celebration outside Parc des Princes, Paris, France on 1/6/2025. Photo: AFP

Thiago Freitas, CEO of RocNation Sports Brazil, stated: "Paris remains the most attractive tourist city in the world. France, the birthplace of many influences on education and training in many republics worldwide, is the nation where the idea of the European Cup Winners' Cup was born. But neither Paris nor France ever had a top European club. PSG has filled that void, something desired not only by Parisians but by the entire world. Success doesn't come overnight. Look how long it took Chelsea or Man City to achieve such a title."

PSG's popularity and related events have attracted a large number of local and international spectators. Last season, 29% of fans at Parc des Princes came from outside the capital, and 14% from other countries. This has positively impacted the service, retail, and transportation sectors.

Thales Rangel Mafia, Marketing Director of Multimarcas Consorcios, analyzed: "In France, PSG completely dominates, being the main attraction of the championship and a driving force for the development of French football. This aligns with their strong marketing strategy that attracts global sponsors and significant investment from Qatar."

PSG inaugurates its new training center, PSG Campus, in Poissy. Photo: PSG

PSG inaugurates its new training center, PSG Campus, in Poissy. Photo: PSG

Beyond football, PSG has two social initiatives that have made a positive impact. In mid-2023, the club inaugurated the "PSG Campus", recruiting hundreds of new employees and housing the Rouge & Bleu School (for children aged 7 to 11).

The second initiative is "PSG for the Community", with programs for autistic children and the development of women's football in disadvantaged communities within the region. Over 20,000 young people are estimated to have benefited from these initiatives.

Henrick Oprea, principal of the Swiss International School in Brasilia (SIS Brasilia), explained the importance of sports for children's development: "Physical activity is a vital element for student development in many aspects, directly impacting health, quality of life, as well as their cognitive and social development, while also providing valuable life lessons."

He added: "Social projects are not only tools for human transformation but also economic drivers, creating jobs and strengthening territories. When a club like PSG integrates social impact into its strategy, it demonstrates that investing in the community also means investing in high economic returns."

Hong Duy (according to AS)