Nasser Al-Khelaifi made history yesterday by becoming the longest-serving president in Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) history, surpassing Francis Borelli's tenure. Since taking over the club in November 2011 following the acquisition by Qatari Sports Investments (QSI), Al-Khelaifi has led PSG into a new era marked by unprecedented success and significant achievements.
Under his leadership, PSG has transformed into a footballing powerhouse, winning a staggering 71 trophies, including 34 for the men’s football team alone. This accomplishment has solidified PSG’s status as the most decorated club in French football history. The club's dominance in Ligue 1 is evident as they currently sit 19 points clear of second-placed Olympique de Marseille and could clinch the league title as early as this weekend.
Al-Khelaifi's presidency has not only been about trophies; it has also seen the club evolve into a global brand. With high-profile signings such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar Jr., and Lionel Messi, PSG has expanded its reach and fanbase worldwide. The strategic partnerships, including one with the Jordan Brand, have further enhanced the club's image in the fashion world, attracting a diverse array of supporters.
Moreover, PSG has opened academies globally to promote its values and expertise in player development. The club's financial growth has been equally impressive, boasting matchday revenues of €170 million for the 2023/2024 season. This financial prowess has placed PSG among the top three revenue-generating clubs in Europe and made it the seventh most valuable football club globally, with a valuation of $4.4 billion.
As part of its ambitious plans, PSG is set to build a new stadium in Massy, featuring 90,000 seats and costing around €1 billion. This project aims to elevate the club's infrastructure to match that of its European rivals. Al-Khelaifi's vision has undoubtedly positioned PSG for continued success in both domestic and international competitions.
In addition to his achievements with PSG, Al-Khelaifi's QSI is reportedly in talks to purchase the Spanish second-division club Malaga. This potential acquisition, valued at around €100 million, underscores QSI's strategy to expand its portfolio in Europe, particularly with Malaga being a host city for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
According to reports from L’Équipe, talks regarding the Malaga purchase are advancing rapidly. A QSI spokesperson stated, "We are currently studying a range of investment opportunities in Europe and in America." This move would add another club to QSI's growing portfolio, which also includes a 21.67% stake in Portuguese side SC Braga.
Back on the pitch, PSG's financial supremacy has been highlighted in L’Équipe’s annual salary report, revealing that all of the top ten earners in Ligue 1 are PSG players. Ousmane Dembélé leads the pack with a monthly salary of €1.5 million, followed closely by captain Marquinhos at €1.2 million. Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernandez earn €1.1 million each, while several other PSG stars, including Warren Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, earn €900,000 per month.
Notably, Luis Enrique, PSG's head coach, is the highest-earning manager in Ligue 1, with a monthly salary of €1 million, nearly double that of the second-highest earner, Roberto De Zerbi, who makes €550,000. This financial muscle not only reflects PSG's dominance on the pitch but also highlights the club's ability to attract and retain top talent.
As PSG continues to build on its successes, the club's ambitions remain clear: to win the UEFA Champions League, a title that has so far eluded them despite coming close in 2020. With Al-Khelaifi at the helm, PSG is poised to continue its journey towards becoming a global footballing giant.
