PSG dominance arrives on SA shores

Ever since Qatari Sports Investments decided to take over Paris Saint-Germain, Les Parisiens not only wanted to dominate French football, but also to ascend to the apex of European football.

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Superstar signings and high-profile managerial appointments became their brand during the early years of the investment, but while domestic success came easily, continental triumph eluded them for over a decade. However, that all changed last season when they completed their first-ever treble, winning the league, Coupe de France and the elusive UEFA Champions League. While many South Africans would previously have only scrutinised PSG through their exploits in Europe’s premier club competition, they now have the opportunity to watch them on a more regular basis, following the recent announcement that Ligue 1 will be broadcast in South Africa. Having already shown a few matches this past weekend, Soccer Laduma’s Kamogelo Motecwane analyses PSG's early-season campaign so far, as well as the teams and players fans should look out for.

Kings of France & Europe Suffering a Club World Cup Hangover?

At the start of last season, Les Rouge-et-Bleu looked almost unrecognisable. Not because they lacked quality or world-class talent in their starting line-up, but because of the absence of transcendent stars.

The club had just bid farewell to their all-time Top Goal Scorer and vice-captain Kylian Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappe's exit came a season after Neymar and Lionel Messi had also left the Parc des Princes.

With those departures, the club not only balanced the books but also, for the first time since QSI's takeover, appeared to restore harmony within the dressing room. They prioritised budding superstar talent with the recruitment of players such as João Neves and Désiré Doué, who were both teenagers when they signed for the record French champions.