The Evolution of PSG: From Superstars to Team Chemistry

Kylian Mbappe joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the summer of 2017, coinciding with the record-breaking transfer of Brazilian superstar Neymar from Barcelona for €222 million (£194 million/$261 million). The trio was later completed with the arrival of Argentine icon Lionel Messi in 2021.

Despite securing multiple Ligue 1 titles with this star-studded attacking lineup, PSG struggled to achieve continental success. In 2023, Neymar and Messi departed for Inter Miami and Al-Hilal, respectively, while Mbappe transitioned to Real Madrid as a ‘Galactico’ a year later.

With the iconic trio gone, Mbappe, who left as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, witnessed PSG triumph in the Champions League in 2025, with Ousmane Dembele emerging as the leading scorer and later winning the Ballon d’Or.

Discussing Mbappe’s potential regrets about leaving Paris for Madrid, 1998 World Cup winner Frank Leboeuf, in collaboration with ToonieBet, stated, “Would PSG have won the Champions League with him? That is the crucial question. Many believe not. Luis Enrique’s strategy of letting go of Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe to pursue Champions League glory illustrates a significant aspect of football.

“Football is not solely about superstars; it’s about player chemistry. If certain individuals neglect their responsibilities, the team cannot succeed. PSG exemplified this issue, fielding three forwards while the rest of the team lacked coherence.

“Post-Mbappe’s departure, and not coincidentally, Luis Enrique was able to implement a tactical approach that unified player efforts. In just four months, PSG transformed into a leading team globally—an achievement that may not have been possible with Mbappe still in the squad.

“Real Madrid faced similar challenges in the early 2000s with their own collection of stars, like David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Ronaldo. They struggled to find success; managing one superstar is complex, two is harder, and three becomes a fantasy. The current trio of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappe presents a formidable challenge, requiring careful team construction to foster success, a reality mirrored by Xabi Alonso’s current struggles.

Former PSG manager Luis Fernandez previously noted that the absence of iconic players has strengthened the team dynamics. He stated, “If PSG had the Messi from five years ago, I would assert it was better with him and Neymar, but this current PSG is far more cohesive. Injuries hindered Neymar’s ability to showcase his talent alongside Mbappe, despite their reaching the Champions League final during the COVID-19 year.

“Luis Enrique understands how to manage star players, having worked with Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez at Barcelona. The coach’s ability to make tactical changes, such as substituting Mbappe, sets him apart from previous management.

In a meeting hosted by the European Club Association (ECA), PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi expressed gratitude towards Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe for their contributions. He emphasized, “This is a new era for us; we appreciate their impact on the club. Yet, as an organization, we believe in the strength of our collective efforts. PSG is focused on building a great team under the guidance of an exceptional coach.

Last season, PSG achieved a treble, winning the Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League, and have since added the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup to their accolades. Mbappe, however, continues to await his first European triumph and Ballon d’Or, despite maintaining outstanding individual performance levels at Real Madrid.