**The Superclub Owned by Qatar: Inside Paris Saint-Germain’s Rise to Dominance**
## **Introduction**
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the most fashionable and financially powerful football teams in the world. Since its purchase by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2011, the club has changed from a domestic challenger into a worldwide superclub, drawing some of the greatest names in sport. With state-backed financial strength, PSG has dominated French football while seeking the elusive UEFA Champions League championship.
In this deep dive, we investigate PSG’s organization, squad size, and the five most popular players who have characterized the club’s contemporary age.
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## **Paris Saint-Germain: A Club Transformed by Qatari Investment**
Founded in 1970, PSG experienced spells of success in Ligue 1 and European tournaments before the Qatari acquisition. However, since 2011, the club has had unparalleled supremacy in France, winning **11 Ligue 1 titles** (as of 2024) and becoming a regular in the Champions League knockout rounds.
### ** How Many Players Are in PSG’s Squad?**
A normal senior team includes of **25-30 players**, including star acquisitions, homegrown stars, and squad depth alternatives. PSG’s roster is a mix of world-class superstars and exciting young players, expertly calibrated to compete on numerous fronts.
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## **The 5 Most Popular PSG Players (Past & Present)**
### **1. Lionel Messi (2021-2023) –
The Greatest of All Time** **Position:** Forward (Right Wing / False 9) ** Key Stats at PSG:**
- 75 appearances - 32 goals - 35 assists
- 2 Ligue 1 titles
**Impact:**
Lionel Messi’s entrance in 2021 was a seismic event in sports history. After leaving Barcelona, he joined PSG to form an iconic attacking three alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappé. Though his stay in Paris was shorter than planned, Messi offered moments of greatness, including a **Ballon d’Or triumph in 2021** while at PSG. His departure in 2023 signaled the end of an era, but his reputation as one of the club’s most high-profile acquisitions continues.
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### **2. Kylian Mbappé (2017-Present) –
The Future of Football** ** Position:** Forward (Left Wing / Striker) ** Key Stats at PSG (as of 2024): **
- 300+ appearances
- 250+ goals
- 100+ assists
- 6 Ligue 1 championships
**Impact:**
Kylian Mbappé is the face of PSG and one of the finest players in the world. Since his **€180 million transfer** from Monaco in 2017 (originally on loan), he has smashed records, becoming PSG’s **all-time top scorer**. His electric pace, precision finishing, and big-game exploits have made him indispensible. Despite Real Madrid’s constant pursuit, Mbappé has remained committed to PSG, captaining the squad and guiding their quest for Champions League success.
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### **3. Neymar Jr. (2017-2023) –
The Flamboyant Superstar** **Position:** Forward (Left Wing / Attacking Midfielder) ** Key Stats at PSG:**
- 173 appearances - 118 goals - 77 assists - 5 Ligue 1 championships
**Impact:** Neymar’s **world-record €222 million transfer** from Barcelona in 2017 signified PSG’s determination to compete with Europe’s elite. A superb dribbler and creator, Neymar added flare and inventiveness to PSG’s offense. However, his stay in Paris was hampered by injuries and off-field problems. Despite this, he remains one of the most legendary players in the club’s history. His move to Al-Hilal in 2023 signified the end of an era.
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### **4. Zlatan Ibrahimović (2012-2016) —
The Lion Who Ruled Paris** **Position:** Striker ** Key Stats at PSG:**
- 180 appearances - 156 goals - 60 assists
- 4 Ligue 1 titles
**Impact:**
Before the Messi-Mbappé-Neymar period, Zlatan Ibrahimović was PSG’s first real worldwide superstar. His arrival from AC Milan in 2012 enhanced the club’s prominence. A strong force, Zlatan scored **50 goals in 2015-16**, shattering multiple records. His larger-than-life demeanor and great goals made him a fan favorite. Even after departing, his legacy as PSG’s **all-time top scorer (until Mbappé overtook him)** remained legendary.
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### **5. Marco Verratti (2012-2023) –
The Midfield Maestro** **Position:** Central Midfielder ** Key Stats at PSG:**
- 416 appearances - 11 goals - 61 assists
- 9 Ligue 1 championships
**Impact:**
Marco Verratti was the pulse of PSG’s midfield for nearly a decade. Signed from Pescara in 2012, he became one of the top deep-lying playmakers in the world. His vision, passing, and tenacity made him invaluable. Despite interest from Barcelona and other European powers, Verratti kept faithful until his 2023 move to Al-Arabi. He holds the record for the **most trophies won (30) at PSG**.
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## **PSG’s Future: Can They Win the Champions League?**
Despite domestic domination, PSG’s ultimate ambition remains the **UEFA Champions League**. With a combination of youthful prospects (Warren Zaïre-Emery, Xavi Simons) and seasoned players (Mbappé, Marquinhos), the club continues to hunt European success.
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## **Conclusion**
PSG’s transition under Qatari ownership has been extraordinary, turning the club into a global brand. With icons like Messi, Mbappé, Neymar, Zlatan, and Verratti gracing the Parc des Princes, PSG’s star power is unsurpassed. The next challenge? Converting financial strength into Champions League victory.
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