Paris Saint-Germain has finally reached the zenith of European club football, securing their inaugural Champions League title in the 2024/25 season. This historic achievement, culminating in a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich, marks not just the end of a long-standing quest but a profound philosophical shift within the club. Strikingly, this triumph was achieved in an era devoid of the individualistic brilliance that once defined PSG, with no Lionel Messi, no Neymar, and no Kylian Mbappe dominating the narrative. Instead, this victory heralds the dawn of a new era: the collective era under the astute guidance of coach Luis Enrique.
The Demise of the "Galactic" Era
For nearly 15 years, since their acquisition by Qatari owners, PSG has been synonymous with extravagant spending and the pursuit of football's biggest names. This relentless pursuit of "Galacticos" saw the Parc des Princes become home to some of the most celebrated players of their generation, including the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, and even Lionel Messi. While this star-studded approach yielded immense domestic success, it consistently fell short on the European stage. The Champions League remained an elusive dream, a stark reminder that assembling a collection of individual superstars did not automatically translate into continental supremacy.
The closest PSG came to European glory in this "Galactic" era was in 2020, under Thomas Tuchel, when they narrowly lost to Bayern Munich in the final. Ironically, the sole goal scorer in that match, Kingsley Coman, was a product of PSG's own youth system, a talent they had allowed to leave for free years prior. This episode, among others, highlighted a disconnect: while the club invested heavily in established stars, it often struggled to integrate its own burgeoning talent or foster a truly cohesive unit. Messi's arrival in 2021, alongside Mbappe and Neymar, further intensified the individualistic focus, yet the Champions League adventure ended prematurely in the Round of 16 for two consecutive seasons (2021/22 against Real Madrid and 2022/23 against Bayern). Messi's eventual departure in 2023, amidst a degree of indifference from the fanbase, symbolically closed the door on this star-centric chapter.
Luis Enrique's Collective Vision
The appointment of Luis Enrique as head coach marked the true turning point. The Spanish tactician, affectionately known as "Lucho," arrived with a clear, unwavering philosophy: the collective triumphs over individual brilliance. This vision, wholeheartedly embraced by the club's board and Qatari owners, provided the framework for a radical transformation. Enrique's immediate directive was to deemphasize the superstar model. With Messi already gone and Neymar departing, the stage was set for a new approach. Crucially, Enrique consciously opted not to seek a direct replacement for Kylian Mbappe, the last remaining "Mohican" of the previous era. His belief was that building a team around a single player inherently weakens the collective, sacrificing balance, variation, and tactical diversity. For Lucho, the team's unity in both attack and defense was paramount.
This new philosophy translated into a deliberate recruitment strategy focused on young, dynamic, and hungry talent. Players like Willian Pacho, Joao Neves, Bradley Barcola, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (acquired for a significant, yet strategically sound, €80 million), and the standout Desire Doue – who delivered a sensational performance in the final with a brace and an assist at just 19 years old – were brought in. These acquisitions underscored a commitment to building a cohesive unit, emphasizing potential and collective spirit over established, often demanding, star power.
A Treble Achieved Through Unity and Dominance
The fruits of Luis Enrique's revolution were abundantly clear in the 2024/25 season. PSG achieved a historic treble, securing the Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, and finally, the coveted Champions League. This was not merely a string of victories but a demonstration of overwhelming dominance. They clinched Ligue 1 with six games to spare, defeated Reims 3-0 in the Coupe de France final, and utterly dismantled Inter Milan with a 5-0 scoreline in the Champions League final.
This success was built on a foundation of personality, a proactive and overwhelming attacking style, and intelligent ball control. Luis Enrique's youthful PSG, brimming with a thirst for victory and an unbreakable sense of solidarity, has not only reached the pinnacle but also laid the groundwork for sustained success. The era of individual "Galacticos" at PSG is definitively over. The future, bright and promising, belongs to the collective, expertly orchestrated by Lucho. Congratulations to PSG, and congratulations to Luis Enrique – the era of the collective has truly arrived.