Paris St-Germain’s quest for a first Champions League title remains unfulfilled, as their 2023-24 campaign ended with a semi-final defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The aggregate score settled at 2-0, marking yet another year where the Parisian club’s significant financial outlay did not translate into European success.
The tie was emblematic of PSG’s recent struggles on the European stage—full of ambition yet lacking in final execution. Despite an array of shots, including several that struck the woodwork, PSG failed to find the back of the net, reflecting a recurring theme of near misses and frustration.
Kylian Mbappe, a focal point of PSG’s attack, epitomized the team’s struggles. Known for his decisive play in crucial moments, Mbappe was unable to make a substantial impact, with his final act for PSG in the Champions League being a slip during a desperate chase for a through ball in the dying moments of the match.
This season’s failure is particularly poignant given the imminent departure of PSG’s celebrated trio: Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi. With all three likely moving on, the club faces a transitional period. The investment brought by Qatar Sports Investment in 2011, and heightened by record signings, promised much but has delivered little in terms of European glory.
Despite the disappointment, there are signs of resilience and potential within the team. Under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, PSG displayed character, notably coming back from a heavy defeat in the group stages and overcoming Barcelona in the quarter-finals. The young squad, the youngest in a Champions League semi-final since 2009, suggests a future that could yet embrace success without the current star ensemble.
As PSG looks to rebuild and possibly reshape its identity post-Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe, the challenge will be to forge a team that not only excels domestically but can finally conquer Europe. The fans and management alike hope that the lessons from past failures will propel PSG to future triumphs, embodying the spirit and unity displayed in flashes this season.