Paris Saint-Germain has made headlines with the announcement of head coach Luis Enrique's contract extension through 2027. The club is also celebrating the commitment of several key players, including Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha, and Nuno Mendes, who have all signed new contracts until 2029. Alongside these established stars, promising academy players Yoram Zague, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Naoufel El Hannach have also secured professional contracts, reflecting PSG's dedication to building for the future.
Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, expressed delight over the extensions. "We are delighted to announce the extension of our coach Luis Enrique... I am particularly grateful to our coach Luis Enrique who has driven great progression and cultural change at the Club in such a short time," he stated. The sentiment is shared as the team has thrived under Enrique's leadership.
Since joining PSG from Barcelona on a two-year deal last summer, Enrique has already made his mark by clinching the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions, marking his arrival with significant success. Reflecting on his time with the club, Enrique remarked, "I’m very happy to continue this story with Paris Saint-Germain. I think the future looks very bright, and I hope to enjoy a lot more success with the club." His optimism seems well-placed; PSG is currently leading Ligue 1 and is on the hunt for more silverware.
Achraf Hakimi, who has been pivotal since his signing from Inter Milan, shared his excitement, saying, "I’m very happy to be continuing my stay with Paris Saint-Germain... it’s an honour to represent this great club." The Moroccan international has been instrumental both domestically and on the international stage, contributing greatly to PSG’s campaigns.
Vitinha, who joined PSG from FC Porto and quickly solidified his place as a key midfielder, also voiced his contentment: "I’ve made a lot of progress since my arrival... There are a lot of reasons why I want to stay here for a long time." His skill and work ethic have not gone unnoticed, contributing to this strong foundation PSG is building.
Nuno Mendes echoed similar sentiments, expressing pride about extending his contract. He stated, "I’m very proud to be extending my contract with Paris Saint-Germain... PSG is special; it’s like a family to me." His development at PSG has been noteworthy, and his contributions have made him indispensable on the field.
PSG's commitment to nurturing talent extends beyond their seasoned players. Young players like Yoram Zague, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Naoufel El Hannach have each signed their first professional contracts, promising to continue the tradition of excellence from the club's academy, which has produced stellar talent over the years.
Recent performances indicate the team's robustness. Despite the departure of star player Kylian Mbappé last summer, who left PSG as the club's all-time leading goalscorer, PSG continues to find success without their former captain. "Our team is responding very positively, at a spectacular level," Enrique emphasized amid the challenges faced without Mbappé.
PSG currently holds a lead of ten points at the top of the Ligue 1 standings. They’ve netted 54 goals through February with notable performances from Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, who lead the goal charts this season. The absence of Mbappé has not hindered the team’s offensive efforts, showcasing their collective approach to scoring rather than relying on individual brilliance.
While PSG has flourished domestically, they face hurdles on the European stage. The Champions League campaign has seen them face mixed results, with losses to top teams like Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Nonetheless, they are poised to advance, having secured their knockout phase spot with determined performances.
With Enrique at the helm and with the confidence shown by both him and the players, Paris Saint-Germain looks to continue building its legacy and ambition. The club is intent on not only preserving its dominant position within France but also aspiring for success on the European front. This contract extension for Enrique and the secured futures of the players signify a commitment to sustained excellence and growth.