Following Paris Saint-Germain’s first European title, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, the club’s president since 2011, reflected on the long road traveled. In a symbolic speech at the Sorbonne, relayed by L’Equipe, the Qatari leader discussed the philosophy that led Paris to the top: less dreaming, more hard work and loyalty.
Al-Khelaïfi: “It was very difficult to win this trophy”
“A few years ago, we used to say ‘Dream bigger.’ We stopped because we didn’t just want to dream. I was sure we were going to win this special trophy. When? I didn’t know. Believe in your goals, don’t let anyone distract you. (…) It was very difficult to win this trophy. Don’t think small. Think big. And focus on the details; that’s what makes the difference.”
Al-Khelaïfi: “You must always be loyal to those who gave you their support.”
I’ve sometimes been asked: what would you change if you could go back in time? I think every player who has played for PSG has contributed to winning this trophy. You mention the stars: Kylian (Mbappé), Zlatan (Ibrahimovic), (Edinson) Cavani; they each helped build the club.
You must always be loyal to those who gave you their support. The club’s method and philosophy come from the team. The desire to fight for others. That’s the mentality we’ve built, to work for others. With the best coach in the world, the best supporters.
Al-Khelaïfi: “We love France, Paris is the most beautiful city in the world.”
We’ve had many investment opportunities. We chose Paris because we love France; Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. We bought the club for €70 million, we invested, including the training center. A year and a half ago, the club, without the stadium, was valued at around €5 billion, probably more today. We brought in key players. And we have top management. Work hard, believe in your dreams, and come to PSG!”
The Paris Saint-Germain president delivered a powerful message, reflecting more than a decade of transformation at the club. For Al-Khelaïfi, this triumph is not the result of chance, but of a culture forged through patience and rigor. “Don’t think small, focus on the details,” he insisted, recalling that the Parisian project is based above all on collective commitment.
Behind the big names—Mbappé, Ibrahimović, or Cavani—the Qatari pays tribute to all those who laid the foundations. He emphasizes loyalty and solidarity, values he believes are inseparable from success. By asserting his attachment to France and the city of Paris, Al-Khelaïfi anchors PSG more than ever in its identity: that of a global club, but with a deeply Parisian soul.
