Paris Saint-Germain has undergone significant changes since Qatar Sports Investments took control in 2011. Before the takeover, the club had not won the French League 1 title since the 1993-94 season and their last appearance in a European final dated back to the Intertoto Cup win in 2001-02. Today, they have secured a spot in the Champions League final, scheduled to face Inter on May 31st, following their eighth Ligue 1 title victory in the past ten seasons. This season, which also holds the potential for a treble, was accomplished without their record goal-scorer Kylian Mbappe, who departed for Real Madrid in the summer.
What was anticipated to be a transitional season has instead produced one of PSG`s most formidable teams in recent memory. This squad could potentially elevate the club further by clinching its first-ever Champions League title. Such an achievement would not only be monumental for PSG but also for French football as a whole. No French club has won the UCL since Marseille in 1993, a drought that PSG is now in a position to end.
Reflecting on this journey, former French international and current CBS Sports analyst Thierry Henry expressed strong admiration for Paris Saint-Germain`s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
“Being French, I understand the immense pressure you faced. This city can be challenging when things aren`t going well,” Henry remarked. “Yet, I must commend how you consistently handled yourself professionally. You were attentive to what the team needed. We discussed the necessity for the team to transition to a younger profile.”
Henry continued, “When you appointed Luis Enrique, I told you, `You`ve hired a top-tier coach who doesn`t compromise, you`ll see.` But more importantly, I wanted to express my gratitude. You have fundamentally altered the public perception of Paris Saint-Germain. Growing up, the club wasn`t viewed this way. You`ve transformed everything – the community aspect, making it accessible for people to attend matches, which wasn`t always the case. So, I truly hope you take that final step and bring home another star [Champions League title]. Although you eliminated my former team [Arsenal], I genuinely want Paris Saint-Germain to win. It would be the perfect culmination and validation of everything you have achieved and the manner in which you did it. You have successfully put Paris back on the map.”
How to Watch the Champions League Final and Betting Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS | Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
