This Saturday, May 31, Paris Saint-Germain can make history, and the history of French soccer, by winning the Champions League against Inter Milan at Munich’s Allianz Arena. It’s a fixture and a venue reminiscent of the 1993 Olympique de Marseille – AC Milan clash, in which l’OM claimed their star. If, more than thirty years on, the fans of the Olympique club refuse to see their rivals lift the Cup with the big ears, this is not the case for their legends. Interviewed on France Télévisions’ “Mission Info” program, Basile Boli, scorer of Marseille’s only goal in the LDC final, confided that he was behind the Parisian club this Saturday.
“I’m going to watch this match like everyone else. It’s true that my heart remains blue and white, but… I’m behind Paris-Saint Germain because representing France is something important to me.”
Beyond the OM-PSG rivalry, it’s sad for French soccer that only one club has won this competition. Today, the club from the capital has the means to make its own mark, as well as that of France.”
More than thirty years on, it’s time for the club to once again shine at the summit of Europe. But overall, after its XXL run and since the arrival of Luis Enrique, this Parisian team is much more supported than in previous years.
The team’s image, far removed from the bling-bling and arrogance of the stars, has also reconnected them with a public that used to despise the club’s image. Thanks to the work of Luis Enrique and Luis Campos, the club’s popularity rating has also soared, enabling it to win the support of a large section of French soccer fans, including its rivals.
