Saturday evening marked the end of Kylian Mbappé’s time at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). As the star forward leaves, new coach Luis Enrique is optimistic about a brighter future for the club.
PSG has had its share of superstars, from Ronaldinho and Jay-Jay Okocha in the early 2000s to Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Mbappé more recently. Despite their domestic success, the club has struggled to secure the coveted Champions League title, coming closest with a runner-up finish in 2020.
President Nasser Al-Khelaifi’s vision for PSG is shifting away from a focus on high-profile signings. “We no longer want flashy, bling-bling. It’s the end of the glitter,” he stated in 2022. Mbappé’s departure signifies the final step away from this era.
Luis Enrique has been clear about not seeking a direct replacement for Mbappé. He believes in building a stronger team through collective effort rather than relying on individual brilliance. This shift was evident in PSG’s recent 2-1 victory over Lyon in the Coupe de France final, where the team performed cohesively without solely depending on Mbappé.
The game was overshadowed by clashes between fans, but it didn’t affect the atmosphere inside the stadium. Even President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged Mbappé’s departure with a private conversation, highlighting the player’s influence.
As PSG looks ahead, Luis Enrique remains confident. “I know that if everything goes well, we will have a better team than this year, in every aspect: offensively, defensively, tactically,” he said. This marks a new chapter for PSG, focused on team dynamics and long-term success rather than individual stardom.
While Mbappé’s contributions will be missed, his departure could pave the way for a more balanced and unified PSG, potentially bringing them closer to their ultimate goal of European glory.
