Former Olympique Lyonnais president (2023-2025), John Textor, spoke to RMC Sport about his relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, president of Paris Saint-Germain. The American was keen to dispel any notion of a direct rivalry between the two men, instead highlighting a useful behind-the-scenes collaboration, particularly on certain sensitive matters related to UEFA.
Textor: “I think he helped me a lot.
“Look, we were seen together. We spent time together. He has a great sense of humor. We became a bit more serious. When he called me ‘cowboy,’ everyone laughed at it. But in the end… I think he helped me a lot. We had some issues with UEFA, he helped us resolve them, and many people don’t know that.
I would say we have a good, friendly relationship.” I know it’s more fun for people to imagine some kind of rivalry. Ultimately, he was more helpful in managing certain problems in France than he was harmful.”
Football loves simple narratives: good guys, bad guys, clearly defined sides. John Textor explains precisely why this framework is often misleading. Behind the image of an almost political PSG-OL rivalry, he describes a much more pragmatic relationship with Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. Fewer dirty tricks than phone calls, less rivalry than joint management of complex problems, particularly in a French and European context that is sometimes hostile to clubs.
Textor emphasizes a rarely highlighted point: the assistance provided by the Paris Saint-Germain president in certain UEFA matters, far from the spotlight. A reality that isn’t exactly media-friendly, but reveals the true workings of modern football. Tensions exist, of course, but they coexist with occasional alliances dictated by shared interests. This isn’t about romance, it’s about governance. And often, it’s these invisible details that tip the scales in entire situations.
