PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN NAMED ‘WORLD TEAM OF THE YEAR’ AT THE LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS

On Monday 20 April 2026 in Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain was crowned ‘World Team of the Year’ at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. The award recognises the capital club’s historic 2024–2025 season, praised for its team spirit and high-quality performances.

Another team award for Paris Saint-Germain! This trophy, which is awarded annually to the best teams across all sports, sees the capital club’s excellence recognised on an international stage. The accolade highlights the work achieved by the entire Parisian squad. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, the Rouge & Bleu achieved an unprecedented sextuple: the Champions League, the Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, the French League, the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions.

This team success is also reflected in the awards and nominations received by several players from the Parisian squad. Ousmane Dembélé, winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, was among the nominees for the ‘Sportsman of the Year’ award, alongside international sporting stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Armand Duplantis, Marc Márquez, Tadej Pogacar and Jannik Sinner. Désiré Doué, Golden Boy 2025, was also nominated in the ‘Revelation of the Year’ category, alongside João Fonseca, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luke Littler, Lando Norris and Zidi Yu.

The two Parisian players were also the only male footballers nominated across all categories in this year’s awards, a recognition that rewards Paris Saint-Germain’s collective effort and the work accomplished throughout the season.

This accolade thus confirms the strength of the Parisian project, built around performance, teamwork and youth. Paris Saint-Germain – who will play in the Champions League semi-finals – continues to develop with ambition and high standards at the very highest level.

On behalf of everyone at Paris Saint-Germain, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Academy Awards for this highly prestigious honour. This recognition once again reflects the strength of our collective – at Paris Saint-Germain, the real star is the team, both on and off the pitch. We are also very proud to represent Paris, French football and France on the international stage, using the power of sport to bring people together and make a positive impact. These values lie at the heart of the Laureus Awards, and that is what makes this honour, being named the Laureus World Team of the Year, so special for Paris Saint-Germain.

Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, President of Paris Saint-Germain

- Paris Saint-Germain 

WHEN DONNARUMMA TO MANCHESTER CITY FOR WDERSON WAS AN EXCLUSIVE 3 MONTHS AGO

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 05: Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Bayern München at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 05, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

While Galatasaray work to bring in Ederson, opening up space for Gianluigi Donnarumma at Manchester City, this is a plan that has been in the works for over three months.

Everyone now knows that the Turkish team is pushing intensely to get the agreement over the line for €10m, then once that deal has been completed, Manchester City can present their proposal to Paris Saint-Germain.

In truth, those two clubs have already been in contact and it is their interests to sort out a solution with Donnarumma frozen out by Luis Enrique.

Donnarumma replacing Ederson was always the plan

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain kisses the UEFA Champions League trophy after his team’s victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s first ever UEFA Champions League title in the club’s history and a record UEFA Champions League Final winning scoreline of 5-0, following the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty

It might seem surprising, but we had reported on this precise scenario in early May, warning that Pep Guardiola was eager to work with the Italian and needed to sell Ederson first in order to make that happen.

Back then, it was considered practically impossible, as the former Milan shot-stopper was instead linked with other Premier League clubs.

It took three months, but the scenario is finally playing out for Donnarumma to take over at the Etihad.

- Alfredo Pedullà

IKONÉ STUNS PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN AS PARIS FC REACH FRENCH CUP LAST 16

Former Paris Saint-Germain academy product Jonathan Ikoné struck a late winner against his old club as Paris FC shocked the holders 1-0 on Monday to book their place in the last 16 of the French Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain player Ousmane Dembélé looks defeated after his team's elimination by Paris FC in the round of 32 of the Coupe de France on January 12, 2026, in Paris. © Anne-Christine Poujoulat, AFP

Paris Saint-Germain academy product Jonathan Ikoné came back to haunt his former club on Monday, scoring the only goal in Paris FC’s 1-0 win over their city rivals at the Parc des Princes.

Substitute Ikoné stabbed home in the final 20 minutes to stun the dominant, record 16-time winners and reigning champions, who had controlled much of the contest.

PSG lost their first home match in the competition since 2022 and suffered their first last-32 defeat since 2014.

“We’re really happy, we managed to defend well,” Ikoné told France Télévisions.

“I’m really happy with my goal, just a joy, and I hope it’s not my last goal,” he added.

Before kick-off, the hosts’ former captain Mamadou Sakho — who began his career at Paris FC before crossing the city — announced his retirement on the pitch.

The sides had met earlier this month in the first top-flight Paris derby since 1990, when Désiré Doué and Ousmane Dembélé scored in a 2-1 win for the Champions League holders.

Since then, PSG have lifted the French Champions Trophy, edging rivals Marseille on penalties in Kuwait last Thursday.

Newly promoted Paris FC, backed by luxury goods group LVMH and Red Bull, sit 15th in Ligue 1, two points above Nantes in the relegation play-off place.

Luis Enrique’s side dominated the first half, with Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia threatening without breaking the deadlock.

Paris FC winger Alimami Gory had the visitors’ best early chance before being forced off injured five minutes before the interval, replaced by Ikoné.

Ten minutes into the second half, a sloppy pass from Paris FC centre-back Moustapha Mbow gifted PSG a golden opportunity, but goalkeeper Obed Nkambadio punched away Gonçalo Ramos’ curling effort.

With PSG still on top with 15 minutes to play, Paris FC broke on the counter and Ikoné poked home to make it 1-0, refusing to celebrate against his former club.

During seven minutes of injury time, Doué went inches away from an equaliser with a header before Nkambadio produced another superb save to deny Vitinha’s long-range strike, capping a stellar individual performance.

In the final match of the round, Marseille travel to sixth-tier Bayeux, with the tie moved elsewhere in Normandy and played in front of a full house at Caen’s Stade Michel-d’Ornano.

Bayeux, home of the centuries-old tapestry, are the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, with the draw for the last 16 taking place before kick-off in northern France.

On Saturday, former Wolves coach Gary O’Neil began his reign as Strasbourg manager with a 6-0 win over fourth-tier Avranches.

- FRANCE 24 with AFP

SEVEN NOMINATIONS FOR PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

 

🏆 Ballon d'Or Ceremony: Seven nominations for Paris Saint-Germain 👏

🗞️ https://en.psg.fr/teams/first-team/content/ballon-dor-ceremony-seven-nominations-for-paris-saint-germain-2024-2025

🏆 Cérémonie du Ballon d'Or : Sept nominations pour le Paris Saint-Germain 👏

🗞️ https://www.psg.fr/equipes/equipe-premiere/content/ceremonie-du-ballon-dor-sept-nominations-pour-le-paris-saint-germain-2024-2025

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN VS BAYERN MUNICH [5-4] - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG 2025/2026 - TACTICAL ANALYSIS

Paris Saint-Germain hosted Bayern Munich for the first leg of the 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League semi-final at Parc des Princes.

Widely gaining popularity as one of the most entertaining games in football history, this fixture had it all, with the hosts edging past their competitors with a 5-4 win.

PSG and Bayern have two of the most ruthless attacking trios in Europe this season, as evidenced by the quality, speed, and effectiveness of their attacking moves on the night.

Both sides, on several occasions, opened up their opponents with ease, which made for a nerve-wracking game overall.

Through this tactical analysis, we aim to discuss Paris Saint-Germain’s and Bayern Munich’s approach to the game, areas both sides struggled in, and find out where Bayern can hurt PSG in the second leg.

Paris Saint-Germain Vs Bayern Munich Lineups & Formations

Let's look at how Luis Enrique and Vincent Kompany fielded their squads.

PSG Lineup Vs Bayern Munich

PSG played in a 4-3-3 formation.

Matvey Safonov started between the sticks.

The back four were Achraf Hakimi (right-back), skipper Marquinhos (right centre-back), Willian Pacho (left centre-back), and Nuno Mendes (left-back).

The latter was replaced by Lucas Hernández (84’).

João Neves, Vitinha, and Warren Zaïre-Emery were the midfield three.

The latter was substituted by Fabián Ruiz at the 64th minute.

Désiré Doué (right) and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (left) were the two wingers, with Ousmane Dembélé as the striker.

Bradley Barcola came on for Doué (70’) and Senny Mayulu for Kvaratskhelia (84’).

Bayern Munich Lineup Vs PSG

Bayern played in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Skipper Manuel Neuer started in goal.

Josip Stanišić (right-back), Dayot Upamecano (right centre-back), Jonathan Tah (left centre-back), and Alphonso Davies (left-back) were the back four.

Konrad Laimer replaced the latter at 46 minutes.

Joshua Kimmich and Aleksandar Pavlović played as the double pivot.

The latter made way for Nicolas Jackson (90’ +3).

Michael Olise (right) and Luis Díaz (left) were the two wingers, with Jamal Musiala as the attacking midfielder.

Musiala came off for Leon Goretzka (79’).

Harry Kane played as the lone striker.

Paris Saint-Germain & Bayern Munich Style Of Play

PSG and Bayern share similar identities in their approach to the game.

Both sides are brilliant examples of total football, showcasing frequent positional rotations both in and out of possession.

An example: Vitinha, a centre-midfielder, operates in the wide channel.

He attracts multiple opponents before moving the ball to the half-space.

Meanwhile, the winger moves into the half-space.

For Bayern, Kane frequently dropped deep into midfield to offer an additional option for progression.

Whenever the centre-backs followed him, other teammates exploited the space higher up the pitch.

This was the case with Bayern’s defenders as well.

During a build-up situation for PSG, both Bayern centre-backs (Upamecano and Tah) follow an opponent each deep into the mid-third, while Stanisić also follows an opponent in the half-space.

With defenders from both sides jumping in this manner, there were multiple instances when they delayed the opposition’s progression or even won the ball.

However, there were also scenarios where the opponent bypassed the pressure and went straight to a counterattack.

- Vedant Kharakwal

PSG INFLICT HUMILIATING DEFEAT ON REAL MADRID TO REAC CLUB WORLD CUP FINAL

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz (bottom) celebrates with defender Achraf Hakimi after Ruiz scored PSG's third goal of its Club World Cup semifinal win over Real Madrid on Wednesday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. | AFP-JIJI

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – Fabian Ruiz scored twice as European champion Paris Saint-Germain turned on the style in its reunion with Kylian Mbappe on Wednesday, thrashing Real Madrid 4-0 in the semifinals of the Club World Cup to set up a showdown with Chelsea.

Ruiz and Ousmane Dembele scored inside nine minutes to stun Real and silence the majority of the 77,542 crowd who were wearing white at MetLife Stadium outside New York.

The Spanish midfielder added another before halftime and Goncalo Ramos got a late fourth as Luis Enrique's side moved one game away from glory at FIFA's new mega-tournament.

Victory against Chelsea on Sunday would complete a campaign of unparalleled success for the Parisians, who won the French title and then the first UEFA Champions League in their history in May.

"We are in a special season, a special moment, and we deserved to win," Luis Enrique told broadcaster DAZN before looking ahead to the final.

"We are going to try, one more step against a good team like Chelsea. They did great, they performed the whole competition and now it is time for us to prepare for that ... we want to make history in our club, and then take some holidays."

After blowing away Inter Milan 5-0, the biggest victory in Champions League final history, PSG began their Club World Cup bid by putting four past Atletico Madrid and the ease with which they disposed of Real was striking.

PSG's fluidity contrasted starkly with Real Madrid, which is a work in progress under new coach Xabi Alonso.

"We were not good enough today," said Alonso. "We are not the first ones to lose to them but we have a lot of different things to improve."

Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe during his team's semifinal defeat at the hands of his former club, Paris Saint-Germain. | AFP-JIJI

Mbappe struggled to make any impact in his first start at the tournament and in his first game against PSG since leaving the French club last year.

The defeat is a real blow to Real as it hoped to win the first 32-team Club World Cup to add to its record tally of 15 European titles.

PSG was without imposing center-back Willian Pacho due to suspension following his sending-off against Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals, but that did not matter.

Lucas Beraldo slotted into the defense with ease, and the rest of PSG's first-choice lineup was there.

Real was missing central defender Dean Huijsen through suspension, while the absence of Trent Alexander-Arnold was an added blow.

The return to the starting lineup of Mbappe, who missed the entire group stage due to illness, did not prevent young striker Gonzalo Garcia from keeping his place.

But the Spanish club's front line, completed by Vinicius Junior, made no real impact, such was the extent of PSG's domination.

Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made two superb saves inside the opening five minutes, the first to tip away a Ruiz shot, and the second to deny Nuno Mendes from point-blank range.

Yet Courtois could not prevent Paris from scoring in the sixth minute, as Dembele pounced on slack defending by Raul Asencio. The Real goalkeeper saved at the forward's feet but Ruiz converted the loose ball.

Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos (top, center) scores his team's fourth goal on Wednesday. | AFP-JIJI

Three minutes later and the contest was effectively over when Antonio Rudiger failed to control a simple pass from Jude Bellingham, allowing Dembele to run through before finishing low into the corner.

Like his friend Mbappe, Dembele was starting for the first time at the competition after dealing with an injury. That was a 35th club goal since August for a player who is a serious candidate for the Ballon d'Or.

It was turning into a humiliating afternoon for Real as PSG got its third midway through the first half.

A deflected shot by Mbappe was easily held by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and no Madrid player touched the ball again before they were picking it out of their net a minute later.

Dembele released Achraf Hakimi on the right and he squared for Ruiz, with the Spain star taking a touch to hold off Fede Valverde before finishing.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could have got a fourth before the interval, while Desire Doue had a goal disallowed early in the second half.

But Real was not coming back, and Alonso opted to take off Bellingham and Vinicius just after the hour mark in a clear sign of surrender.

PSG then got its fourth after 87 minutes when Ramos controlled a pass from fellow substitute Bradley Barcola, turned and fired in.

- ANDY SCOTT

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE STATS: GOALS SCORERS 2013/14

UEFA Champions League Stats: GOAL SCORERS 2013/14

	Player	Team	Goals
	Cristiano Ronaldo	Real Madrid	7
	Zlatan Ibrahimovic	Paris Saint-Germain	6
	Lionel Messi	Barcelona	4
	Franck Ribéry	Bayern Munich	3
	Sergio Agüero	Manchester City	3
	Simon Rolfes	Bayer Leverkusen	3
	Kostas Mitroglou	Olympiakos	3
	Robert Lewandowski	Borussia Dortmund	3
	Arjen Robben	Bayern Munich	2
	Thiago Motta	Paris Saint-Germain	2
	Didier Drogba	Galatasaray	2
	Fabio Quagliarella	Juventus	2
	Wayne Rooney	Manchester United	2
	Fernando Torres	Chelsea	2
	Umut Bulut	Galatasaray	2
	Karim Benzema	Real Madrid	2
	Stefan Kießling	Bayer Leverkusen	2
	Arda Turan	Atletico Madrid	2
	Olivier Giroud	Arsenal	2
	Diego Costa	Atletico Madrid	2
	Edinson Cavani	Paris Saint-Germain	2
	Ramires	Chelsea	2
	Ángel Di María	Real Madrid	2
	Alex Teixeira	Shakhtar Donetsk	2
	David Alaba	Bayern Munich	2
	Zoran Tosic	CSKA Moscow	2
	Julian Draxler	Schalke 04	2
	Marquinhos	Paris Saint-Germain	2

WHAT ARE ARSENAL'S AWAY RECORD IN FRANCE AHEAD OF CRUNCH UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINAL SHOWDOWN WITH PARIS SAINT- GERMAIN

Arsenal.com

Trailing 1-0 from the first leg, Arsenal will need a big performance if they are to overcome Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League second leg. Ousmane Dembele's goal gave the Parisians a first-leg victory at the Emirates with the Gunners heading to France needing a win to remain in contention. TNT Sports looks at whether history is on their side at the Parc des Princes.

Arsenal are facing an uphill task if they are to reach the UEFA Champions League final for the first time since 2006.

Mikel Arteta’s side put in a lacklustre display in the first leg of their semi-final as they were beaten 1-0 by an impressive Paris Saint-Germain, thanks to Ousmane Dembele's early goal.

And ahead of the second leg, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, the Gunners find themselves in inconsistent form, losing their most recent Premier League outing against Bournemouth leaving them with just three league wins in 10.

Europe remains their last shot at silverware this season and Arsenal will have to produce something special to overturn the first-leg deficit and advance to the final in Munich at the end of the month.

The trip to France may be a daunting one, but it presents an opportunity, and Arteta’s side might look to take inspiration from previous trips to the country.

What is Arsenal’s record against French teams away from home?

Ahead of their latest showdown in Paris, Arsenal have played away in France in European competition a total of 15 times, winning eight, drawing five and losing twice. They have scored 20 times and conceded 14 in that time.

While Gunners fans will be encouraged by the victories, there will be concern that only one of these has arrived by more than a single goal, which would only be enough to force extra time this week.

Another concern would be that, after a run of seven victories between 2000 and 2015, their last two trips to France against Stade Rennes and Lens have ended in defeat.

Winning in normal time would require Arsenal scoring twice, something they have managed five times in total in France, and have only ever failed to score in the country on one occasion.

Defensively, Arsenal know a clean sheet is probably needed if they are to realise their ambitions, something they have managed six times on previous trips to France.

What are all of Arsenal’s results in France?

FC Rouen 1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup third round first leg – 0-0

Arsenal first visited France in the third round of the 1969/70 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup – the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and UEFA Europa League – taking on FC Rouen in a first-leg stalemate.

The Gunners won an equally tight second leg 1-0 with a last-minute winner from Jon Sammels on their way to lifting the trophy.

Paris Saint-Germain 1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final first leg – 1-1

Arsenal’s next trip to France in European competition was coincidentally to the Parc des Princes to face PSG back in their successful 1994 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup run.

The leg of the semi-final in France saw Ian Wright put Arsenal in front 10 minutes before half-time, though David Ginola levelled for the home side in the second half.

Kevin Campbell secured a 1-0 win in the return match to send Arsenal to the final.

Auxerre 1994/95 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final second leg – 1-0 win

The following year saw Arsenal win in France for the first time courtesy of an Ian Wright screamer in the second leg of the Cup Winners’ Cup quarter-final, following a 1-1 draw at home.

Lens 1998/99 UEFA Champions League group stage – 1-1

The Gunners were left frustrated in their opening match of the group as Tony Vairelles’ stoppage-time equaliser denied Arsene Wenger’s side victory after Marc Overmars had given them a second-half lead.

Nantes 1999/00 UEFA Cup third round second leg – 3-3

Leading 3-0 from the first leg, Arsenal were 6-1 up on aggregate by half-time at Stade de la Beaujoire after Gilles Grimandi, Thierry Henry and Overmars cancelled out Antoine Sibierski’s opener for the home side.

Nantes did rally, however, as Sibierski and Marama Vahirua restored pride by salvaging a draw.

Lens 1999/2000 UEFA Cup semi-final – 2-1 win

With a 1-0 lead from the Highbury fixture, Henry’s goal before the break at Stade Bollaert-Delelis doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the tie.

Although Pascal Nouma reduced the deficit, Nwankwo Kanu restored the two-goal advantage late on to book the Gunners’ place in the final.

Lyon 2000/01 UEFA Champions League second group stage – 1-0 win

Henry was once again the scourge of his countrymen with the winning goal in this clash at Stade de Gerland.

Auxerre 2002/03 UEFA Champions League first group stage – 1-0 win

Another hard-fought victory on French soil, with Gilberto netting the only goal of the game at the start of the second half.

Marseille 2011/12 UEFA Champions League group stage – 1-0 win

A now familiar scoreline when Wenger returned to his homeland with Arsenal. This time the Gunners left it late with Aaron Ramsey snatching the winner deep into stoppage time to steal the three points.

Montpellier 2012/13 UEFA Champions League group stage – 2-1 win

An electric start saw Younes Belhanda fire the home side ahead from the penalty spot but within ten minutes, Arsenal were ahead through Lukas Podolski and Gervinho with no further scoring.

Marseille 2013/14 UEFA Champions League group stage – 2-1 win

Theo Walcott volleyed Arsenal into the lead at the Velodrome with 25 minutes to play before Ramsey wrapped up victory with 5 minutes to play.

Jordan Ayew scored a late penalty, but it was ultimately inconsequential.

Monaco 2014/15 UEFA Champions League round of 16 – 2-0 win (3-3 aggregate, lost on away goals)

A seventh successive win on French soil, but there was little cause for celebration as Arsenal crashed out of the competition.

A shock 3-1 home defeat left the Gunners with all to do in the return match, but goals from Olivier Giroud and Ramsey weren’t enough and the Ligue 1 side advanced on away goals.

Paris Saint-Germain 2016/17 UEFA Champions League group stage – 1-1

Edinson Cavani headed PSG in front after three minutes and threatened a rout but wasteful finishing allowed Alexis Sanchez to snatch a late point for the Gunners.

Stade Rennais 2018/19 UEFA Europa League round of 16 first leg – 1-3 defeat

A first defeat in France came against an inspired Rennes side who were eyeing a huge scalp.

Alex Iwobi put the Gunners 1-0 up but a red card for defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos turned the game on its head as Benjamin Bourigeaud, a Nacho Monreal own-goal and Ismaila Sarr compounded Unai Emery’s side to defeat.

The Gunners recovered to blitz their opponents 3-0 in the return leg to advance.

Lens 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage – 2-1 defeat

Arsenal’s most recent trip across the channel also ended in defeat despite taking an early lead through Gabriel Jesus.

Goals from Adrien Thomasson and Elye Wahi stunned Arteta’s side.

- IBRAHIM MUSTAPHA

ARSENAL FC: ALEXIS SANCHEZ HAS 'AGREED' TO MOVE TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN FOR £275,000 A WEEK

Reports coming from France say Alexis Sanchez has agreed a 4 year deal with Paris Saint-Germain...

WHAT AN EYEFUL! PSG'S NEW AWAY KIT INSPIRED BY EIFFEL TOWER

Paris Saint-Germain's Lucas Beraldo was among the club's stars to model the new kit from up the Eiffel Tower. Paris Saint-Germain

 Paris Saint-Germain have revealed their new away kit for the 2024-25 season, and they have taken inspiration from a seemingly obvious yet under-used source.

While the colours are what we have come to expect from a PSG jersey, what marks the latest shirt out is the large graphic splashed across the front which evokes the French capital's most famous landmark: the Eiffel Tower.

Indeed, it is not the first time that a stylised silhouette of the Tower has been afforded pride of place on PSG's jerseys, with this new kit directly inspired by the white home jerseys worn by the Ligue 1 side in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

A very similar red-and-blue brushstroke-effect image of the iconic wrought-iron construction appeared on two PSG kits used between 1990 and 1992, with the modern iteration contemporary update of the classic graphic.

As it happens, that period didn't prove to be a particularly remarkable one for PSG, who finished ninth and third in Ligue 1 in 1990-91 and 1991-92 respectively, while also failing to make much headway in the domestic cup competitions on offer to them. How times have changed.

Regardless, it's perhaps fitting that the club have chosen to revisit their Eiffel Tower kits three decades on as Paris prepares to host the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, with sports fans from all over the world set to descend upon the city ahead of a summer of elite action.

- Chris Wright, Toe Poke writer

FOOTBALL: PSG WIN 12TH LIGUE TITLE AFTER MONACO DEFEAT

Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappé (L) fights for the ball with Le Havre's Ivorian French defender Christopher Opéri during the French L1 football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Le Havre AC at the Parc des Princes Stadium, in Paris on April 27, 2024. FRANCK FIFE / AFP

 Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has won the French league in Kylian Mbappé's last season at the club after Monaco lost 3-2 at Lyon on Sunday, April 28. PSG has an unassailable 12-point lead over second-place Monaco, which has three games left. The Ligue 1 triumph is PSG's third in a row and a record-extending 12th overall. Mbappé has been involved in six of them, but comes off contract at the end of the season. He's expected to be signed by Real Madrid.

PSG is on course for a potential historic treble as it will play at Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of the Champions League semifinals on Wednesday and face Lyon in the French Cup final on May 25. In coach Luis Enrique's first season at the club, PSG produced one of the most dominant seasons in league history with just one loss in 31 games so far.

PSG could have clinched the title on Saturday with a win at home to struggling Le Havre, but in the end they needed a 95th-minute equalizer to snatch a 3-3 draw. However, after that game, coach Luis Enrique insisted his side had won the league "without any doubt," as they were 12 points clear with only 12 points left to play for and also boasted a far superior goal difference to that of Monaco.

The principality club's loss in Lyon nevertheless makes PSG's coronation official and sets them up for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg away to Borussia Dortmund in Germany.

Monaco had taken the lead inside the opening minute in Lyon thanks to a Wissam Ben Yedder goal, but Alexandre Lacazette equalized for the hosts and Said Benrahma put them ahead before the half-hour mark. Ben Yedder struck again to bring it back to 2-2, only for substitute Malick Fofana to net a late winner for Lyon, who are still hoping to qualify for Europe.

PSG have won 10 of their 12 titles in the last 12 seasons, a record that goes to show how the Qatari takeover of the club in 2011 has utterly transformed them and the face of French football as a whole. They are on course for a clean sweep of trophies this season, with the French Cup final against Lyon to come on May 25 and the French Champions Trophy already in the bag. Luis Enrique's side are also hoping to see off Dortmund and win through to the final of the Champions League on June 1.

Brest wins nine-goal thriller

Elsewhere, Brest took another big step toward qualifying for the Champions League for the first time by scoring deep in injury time to beat Rennes 5-4 in an incredible game. Former Rennes defender Lilian Brassier popped up with the decisive goal six minutes into stoppage time to decide the Brittany derby in Brest's favor. They had been 2-0 down inside nine minutes after Arnaud Kalimuendo netted twice for the home side at Roazhon Park, but quickly pulled one back through Steve Mounie and then equalized just after the break via a goal by Warmed Omari.

Uruguayan striker Martin Satriano put Brest in front, and Mahdi Camara made it 4-2, seemingly wrapping up the points. However, Arthur Theate and Martin Terrier both scored to bring Rennes back level again, apparently securing them a precious point in the fight for European qualification before Brassier struck. It is a huge three points for Brest after they lost their previous two matches, and the win ensures they end the weekend in third place, two points behind Monaco and a point clear of Lille, which won 2-1 at Metz.

The top three teams in Ligue 1 qualify automatically for next season's expanded Champions League, with the team in fourth entering the competition in the preliminary rounds. Ismaily and Yusuf Yazici scored Lille's goals as they came from behind to take all three points after Georgian international Georges Mikautadze put Metz ahead from the penalty spot.

Nice strengthened their grip on fifth spot by winning 3-1 at Patrick Vieira's Strasbourg. The Côte d'Azur club remains four points behind Lille, meaning Champions League qualification looks to be beyond them. Lorient remains in the automatic relegation spots and three points from safety after a 2-1 home loss to Toulouse. Clermont is still bottom but is now only four points from safety with three games left after beating Reims 4-1 with Austrian international Muhammed Cham netting two penalties and Elbasan Rashani also scoring twice.

PSG BOSS LUIS ENRIQUE RUSHED TO HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY AFTER CYCLING ACCIDENT

Luis Enrique is to have surgery, PSG have confirmed(Image: Sylvain Thomas/FEP/Icon Sport via Getty Images)

Luis Enrique suffered an injury while out on his bike, forcing the Paris Saint-Germain boss to go to hospital for surgery with little over a week until their next game

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Luis Enrique will have surgery, having been rushed to hospital after a cycling accident. Enrique, 55, suffered an injury while out on his bike on Friday.

The Spaniard was taken to hospital, where doctors discovered that he'd fractured his collarbone. Fortunately, Enrique hasn't suffered any other serious injuries.

It's not yet known what caused the accident. PSG, who won their first Champions League under Enrique last season, announced the news in a statement.

It read: "Following a cycling accident on Friday, Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique was treated by the emergency services and will undergo surgery for a fractured collarbone.

"The Club expresses its full support and wishes him a swift recovery. Further updates will be shared in due course."

Enrique was enjoying time off during the international break. After losing the Club World Cup final to Chelsea in July, PSG have won their first four games of the season.

It hasn't been smoothing sailing, though, having gone 2-0 down to Tottenham in the Super Cup final last month. The European champions staged a late comeback and claimed victory in the penalty shootout.

PSG then won their opening two league games 1-0. They continued their perfect start to the Ligue 1 campaign with a 6-3 romp away to Toulouse on Saturday.

Only Lyon have also won their first three matches in the French top flight, putting both teams on nine points. PSG welcome Lens to the Parc des Princes after the international break before starting their defence of the Champions League at home to Atalanta.

Their European campaign includes a mouth-watering trip to face Enrique's former club, Barcelona, as well as home games against Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Newcastle. The 55-year-old took charge of PSG in the summer of 2023, having left his position as Spain manager following the 2022 World Cup.

Enrique has led the Parisians to the Ligue 1 title in both of his seasons and his finest hour came in the Champions League final earlier this year. PSG hammered Inter Milan 5-0, making Enrique a two-time European champion after also winning the competition with Barcelona in 2015.

"The goal [this season] is first and foremost to improve as a team, both in attack and defence," he recently said. "We can still identify areas of our game where we can improve.

"In terms of titles, we want to be ready to compete for them all. We all believe we can win them and repeat the feat this season, which would make us go down in history in spectacular fashion. That's what motivates us the most."

- Nathan Ridley

CRISTIANO RONALDO IN PORTUGAL SQUAD AFTER GOALLESS EURO 2024

Cristiano Ronaldo's international future was uncertain after a disappointing Euro 2024. Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has included Cristiano Ronaldo in his squad for the first two Nations League matches following the veteran forward's disappointing European Championship.

Martínez announced the squad on Friday for its home games against Croatia on Sept. 5 and Scotland on Sept. 8.

The 39-year-old Ronaldo holds the record of 130 goals for international men's football, but he went scoreless in all five of Portugal's games at Euro 2024 as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by France via a penalty shootout.

Martínez said after Euro 2024 that his team is starting "a new cycle" for the 2026 World Cup, which is being hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ronaldo will be 41 by the time that tournament in North America kicks off, and Martínez said after their exit from Euro 2024 that it was "too soon" to say whether Ronaldo had played his final game for his country.

Martínez restored Ronaldo to the starting lineup for the tournament in Germany after predecessor Fernando Santos had stunned his team and nation by benching him midway through the 2022 World Cup, where he scored in an opening win over Ghana but then failed to mark in the next four games, including a quarterfinal upset to Morocco.

Portugal squad:

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa (FC Porto), José Sá (Wolverhampton), Rui Silva (Real Betis).

Defenders: Rúben Dias (Manchester City), António Silva (Benfica), Renato Veiga (Chelsea), Gonçalo Inacio (Sporting), Tiago Santos (Lille), Diogo Dalot (Manchester United), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Nélson Semedo (Wolves).

Midfielders: João Palhinha (Bayern Munich), João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United), Bernardo Silva (Manchester City), Rúben Neves (Al-Hilal), João Félix (Chelsea), Francisco Trincão (Sporting), Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting).

Forwards: Rafael Leão (AC Milan), Geovany Quenda (Sporting), Pedro Neto (Chelsea), Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr), Diogo Jota (Liverpool).

GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA SET TO JOIN MANCHESTER CITY AS DEAL AGREED

Gianluigi Donnarumma is reportedly on the verge of joining Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth €27 million before the summer transfer window closes.

According to an update by reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been the subject of interest from Manchester City. The Citizens have been eager to bolster their first-team squad by landing another goalkeeper in the summer transfer window despite re-signing James Trafford. So, the 26-year-old Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper has been a target.

The former AC Milan wonderkid is on the cusp of joining Manchester City, as they have struck an agreement with PSG. Meanwhile, Alfredo Pedulla has shared further details on Football Italia, revealing that the Premier League club will fork out €27 million to sign Donnarumma, who will pocket an annual salary of over €15 million.

Gianluigi Donnarumma and his PSG spell

Gianluigi Donnarumma reached a crossroads in his career despite his excellent performances for Paris Saint-Germain. The 26-year-old has been exceptional between the sticks for Les Parisiens since arriving from AC Milan in a Bosman move in July 2021. He has made over 150 appearances for PSG while keeping 52 clean sheets and conceding 152 goals.

However, the Italian international entered the final 12 months of his contract in July, and talks with PSG over a new contract did not progress much. So, the Ligue 1 champions have signed Lucas Chevalier from LOSC Lille earlier this summer to be the new first-choice goalkeeper. Donnarumma has thus been searching for his next destination, with Manchester City negotiating a deal with PSG for several weeks.

Premier League adventure beckons

Manchester City’s interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma has been baffling. The Citizens have re-signed James Trafford from Burnley this summer. While the English international has blown hot and cold, he is a world-class prospect who can be a long-term solution between the sticks for Manchester City.

So while Ederson Moraes is on the cusp of joining Fenerbahce, it is unclear why the Premier League table-toppers want another shot-stopper. Nevertheless, the PSG goalkeeper has been a target for Manchester City, and the Premier League giants have struck an agreement to secure his services. City will fork out €27 million to sign the former AC Milan shot-stopper.

Personal terms were never an issue, and the 26-year-old Italian international will sign a long-term contract with over €15 million-a-year wages. Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has revealed in a separate update that Donnarumma will undergo his medical tests in Italy and formally arrive at Manchester City after the international break.

- TheHardTackle

PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN: KYLIAN MBAPPE'S LOAN MOVE FROM MONACO TO PSG COMPLETE

Kylian Mbappe's loan move from Monaco to Paris St-Germain is complete...

EUROPE'S TOP SOCCER LEAGUES: TITLES, CUP FINALS, UCL, RELEGATION

Manchester United beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images

 The 2023-24 season is almost over with the battles for the major honours, European qualification, relegation and promotion pretty much settled.

Here's a roundup of what has been decided, and what's still at stake, in the English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish LaLiga, Italian Serie A and French Ligue 1.

Premier League

Season completed

Title

Manchester City were crowned champions for a record-setting fourth consecutive season.

Champions League (4)

CONFIRMED

1. Man City (38 games, 91 points)

2. Arsenal (38, 89)

3. Liverpool (38, 82)

4. Aston Villa (38, 68)

Europa League (2)

Man United beat 2-0 Man City in the FA Cup final (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only) to seal one spot in the Europa League (UEL). The second went to fifth place.

CONFIRMED

FA Cup: Manchester United

5. Tottenham Hotspur (38, 66)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

6. Chelsea (38, 63)

Relegation (3)

RELEGATED

18. Luton Town (38, 26)

19. Burnley (38, 24)

20. Sheffield United (38, 16)

Leicester City and Ipswich Town have been automatically promoted to the Premier League. Southampton beat Leeds United 1-0 in the Championship playoff final (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only) to take the final spot.

LaLiga

Season completed - promotion playoffs to be completed

Title

Real Madrid have been crowned champions.

Champions League (4)

CONFIRMED

1. Real Madrid (38, 95)

2. Barcelona (38, 85)

3. Girona (38, 81)

4. Atlético Madrid (38, 76)

Real Madrid have sealed the LaLiga title. Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Europa League (2)

Athletic won the Copa del Rey and will be in the Europa League, though they will also finish in the first Europa League place in fifth. That means the other UEL place goes to sixth, which Real Sociedad have claimed.

CONFIRMED

5. Athletic Club (38, 68)

6. Real Sociedad (38, 60)

Europa Conference League (1)

Real Betis cannot be overtaken for the final European place.

CONFIRMED

7. Real Betis (38, 57)

Relegation (3)

CONFIRMED

18. Cádiz (38, 33)

19. Almería (38, 21)

20. Granada (38, 21)

Leganes and Real Valladolid have been promoted into the top flight. Eibar, Espanyol, Real Oviedo and Racing Santander will take part in the promotion playoffs.

Bundesliga

Season completed

Title

Bayer Leverkusen won the first championship in their history with a remarkable unbeaten record.

Bayer Leverkusen have already lifted the trophy. (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)

Champions League (5)

The Bundesliga has sealed an extra place through the European Performance Spot, which sends the team in fifth to the UCL too.

CONFIRMED

1. Bayer Leverkusen (34, 90)

2. VfB Stuttgart (34, 73)

3. Bayern Munich (34, 72)

4. RB Leipzig (34, 65)

5. Borussia Dortmund (34, 63)

Europa League (2)

Leverkusen beat second division side Kaiserslautern 1-0 in the final of the DFB Pokal (stream a replay on ESPN+, U.S. only), so both sixth and seventh get a UEL place.

CONFIRMED

6. Eintracht Frankfurt (34, 47)

7. TSG Hoffenheim (34, 46)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

8. Heidenheim (34, 42)

Relegation (2+1)

Two teams are relegated automatically, while third-bottom takes on third place in the 2. Bundesliga in a playoff.

RELEGATION PLAYOFF

16. VfL Bochum (34, 33)

Bochum looked destined to be relegated after losing 3-0 at home to Fortuna Düsseldorf in the first leg ... only for Bochum to win the return leg 3-0 and then secure their top-flight status with a 6-5 penalty-shootout win.

RELEGATED

17. FC Cologne (34, 27)

18. SV Darmstadt 98 (34, 17)

St. Pauli and Holstein Kiel have been automatically promoted into the Bundesliga.

Serie A

Season completed

Title

Internazionale wrapped up the Scudetto as runaway champions.

Inter Milan walked their way to the Scudetto. Getty Images

Champions League (5)

Like Germany, Italy has secured an extra place in next year's competition through its clubs' performance in Europe this season, meaning five clubs have qualified.

CONFIRMED

1. Internazionale (38, 94)

2. AC Milan (38, 75)

3. Juventus (38, 71)

4. Atalanta (38, 69)

5. Bologna (38, 68)

As Atalanta will finish in the top 4, Italy will remain on five places in the Champions League. Had Atalanta finished fifth, then AS Roma in sixth would also have been in the Champions League next season.

Europa League (2)

Juventus won the Coppa Italia, so sixth and seventh will qualify for the UEL.

CONFIRMED

6. AS Roma (38, 63)

7. Lazio (38, 61)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

8. Fiorentina (38, 60)

Relegation (3)

RELEGATED

18. Frosinone (38, 35)

19. Sassuolo (38, 30)

20. Salernitana (38, 17)

Frosinone began the final day in 16th, but they lost to 17th-placed Udinese, and 18-th placed Empoli scored in the 93rd minute to climb out of the drop zone.

Parma and Cesc Fàbregas' Como were promoted to Serie A automatically, while Venezia beat Cremonese in the playoff final.

Ligue 1

Season completed - relegation playoff remains

Title

Paris Saint-Germain secured the title with ease.

Paris Saint-Germain are expected to do the double in France. Aurelien Meunier - PSG/PSG via Getty Images

Champions League (3+1)

France gets three automatic places, with fourth place entering the UCL in the third qualifying round.

Remarkably Brest were in fourth when the games on the final day entered the 90th minute. Brest scored to go level with Lille on points and goal difference, but Lille stayed third on head to head. Then Lille conceded at home in the fourth minute of added time, sending Brest directly into the Champions League group stage.

CONFIRMED

1. Paris Saint-Germain (34, 76)

2. AS Monaco (34, 67)

3. Brest (34, 61)

4. Lille (34, 59)

The UEL places go to fifth and the winners of the Coupe de France -- PSG beat Lyon 2-1 in the final, so the places passes to sixth ... which is Lyon.

CONFIRMED

5. Nice (34, 55)

6. Lyon (34, 53)

Europa Conference League (1)

CONFIRMED

7. Lens (34, 51)

Relegation (2+1)

Two teams are relegated, with third-bottom facing a playoff with a team from the second division to remain in Ligue 1.

RELEGATION PLAYOFF

16. Metz (34, 29)

Metz are relegated after they lost 4-3 on aggregate to Saint-Étienne.

RELEGATED

17. Lorient (34, 29)

18. Clermont Foot (34, 25)

AJ Auxerre and Angers were automatically promoted to Ligue 1.

LEE KANG-IN FEATURES AS PSG THRASH BREST 7-0 TO REACH CHAMPIONS LEAGUE LAST 16

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in passes the ball during the second leg of the Champions League knockout stage playoffs against Brest at Parc des Princes in Paris on Feb. 19. [AFP/YONHAP]

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in played 30 minutes in the second leg of the 2024-25 Champions League knockout stage playoffs against Brest, where the Ligue 1 champions secured a dominant 7-0 victory at Parc des Princes in Paris on Wednesday, sealing a 10-0 aggregate win.

PSG now advance to the round of 16, with the next round draw set for Friday.

The round of 16 fixtures will begin on March 4, followed by the quarterfinals on April 8 and the semifinals in late April through early May.

  - PAIK JI-HWAN, paik.jihwan@joongang.co.kr

STRASBOURG VS. PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN FIRST LEAGUE 1 GAME TO BE POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK

League 1 has postponed a top-flight match between Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain due to Corona Virus outbreak...

LIVERPOOL MUST BE READY TO 'SUFFER' IN PSG RETURN LEG, SAYS VIRGIL VAN DIJK

© AFP

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital.

Virgil van Dijk believes Liverpool's Champions League suffering at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain is not yet over despite surviving an onslaught to win the first leg of their last 16 tie 1-0 in the French capital. The Reds were outclassed for almost the entire match at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday but clung on thanks to what goalkeeper Alisson Becker described as the performance "of his life". Harvey Elliott came off the bench to score the winner with his first touch on 87 minutes. Liverpool had only two shots, compared with PSG's 27 attempts at goal.

It was the Paris side's first defeat in 23 games, a run stretching back to November.

Liverpool will expect to be much stronger for the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday, but Van Dijk warned the tie is not yet over.

"It should be a great game and we have to be ready to suffer as they are a very good team who were unbeaten for a very long time," said the Liverpool captain.

"What I really liked was the togetherness, everyone put a shift in and we know everyone can be better."

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot conceded his side would have been lucky even to escape with a draw.

Van Dijk agreed the backs-to-the-wall display is not how the runaway Premier League leaders are used to winning but paid tribute to the "world-class" opposition they faced.

"We don't want to be playing this way because everyone who plays football wants to have the ball a lot and wants to be dominating opponents," he said.

"But we played against a team with a lot of quality, world-class quality, and they made it very difficult for everyone in the world so far and they made it difficult for us but we found a way and we have to try to finish it off next week."

Slot's substitutes made a telling contribution as Darwin Nunez set up the winner for Elliott, while Curtis Jones and Wataru Endo helped snuff out the PSG threat.

"We are coming to the last stages of the season and the message is pretty clear -- everyone who is part of the team has to play a part when they come on," said Van Dijk.

"With the goal you saw Darwin makes it difficult for Marquinhos and the ball falls and he gives a good pass to Harvey for the finish.

"Even Wataru coming on, Curtis doing a good job is good to see. Everyone needs to feel that importance because there are many big games -- and decisive games -- coming up so we have to keep going."

Liverpool can extend their 13-point lead at the top of the Premier League when bottom-of-the-table Southampton visit Anfield on Saturday.

- Agence France-Presse

GROUP CONDEMNS 'HUMILIATING SEARCHES' BY SECURITY AT BARCELONA STADIUM

AP Photo 

 PARIS (AP) — The director of a group that advocates for female sports fans says she and other Paris Saint-Germain supporters were subjected to “abusive” searches while entering Barcelona's stadium for a Champions League match earlier this week.

Anoush Morel, the director of Her Game Too France, told L'Equipe and RMC Sport that her breasts, buttocks and groin were touched by a female security officer during a pat-down at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium on Tuesday night. Other women reported similarly aggressive searches, she said.

Paris Saint-Germain won the match 4-1 and advanced to the Champions League semifinals.

In a letter Thursday, the organization condemned the practice and called on “relevant authorities” to take action.

“It's unacceptable that spectators, fans and women in general were particularly targeted by these intrusive and humiliating searches that constitute sexual aggression,” the letter read.

The group said there have been similar complaints at other stadiums in Europe, usually impacting visiting fans. It called on teams, organizers of the games and stadiums to ensure their security protocols avoid the “unfair treatment” of supporters.

It asks UEFA to provide answers on whether visiting fans in particular are being subjected to more aggressive searches.

A request for comment from UEFA sent on Thursday evening was not immediately answered.