Editorial. PSG, victory at all costs

PSG has a sense of purpose, but also a sense of business. As of Sunday morning, a few hours after the capital's footballers' victory in the Champions League final, the club's new "collector's" jersey, emblazoned with the European champion's star, was already on sale for €130 each. The title won in Munich validates the shift taken under the leadership of coach Luis Enrique, who has instilled a team spirit in his players, while his predecessors struggled to bring together strong individualities. But this sporting triumph is also an economic success. Since their arrival fourteen years ago, PSG's Qatari owners have aimed to make it a global brand, investing in stars near the end of their careers, such as Beckham and Messi. With their virtually unlimited resources, they built an empire before considering building a team. Bingo. The club's valuation rose from €70 million to €4.2 billion between 2011 and 2024, according to Forbes magazine. The Parisian victory is also the culmination of a political strategy. Emmanuel Macron took care, during the champions' reception at the Élysée Palace, to congratulate the Emir of Qatar. Two hours later, the Parc des Princes chanted the name of PSG president Nasser al-Khelaïfi , so often criticized. The culmination of long years of "soft power" for the Qataris, who have used football as a tool for developing their influence. One can rejoice or regret it, see it as a tremendous opportunity for growth for French football, or on the contrary, the symbol of the commodification of the round ball. But it is clear that, at a time when rumors of a possible Saudi takeover of Olympique de Marseille are resurfacing, PSG's victory is not only the result of the incredible performance of Kvaratskhelia or the insolent talent of Désiré Doué .