logo
PSG team is the superstar: Nasser Al Khelaifi on C à Vous show

PSG team is the superstar: Nasser Al Khelaifi on C à Vous show

Qatar Tribune12-06-2025

Tribune News Network
Paris
Nasser Al Khelaifi, president of Paris Saint-Germain, was the exceptional guest on the C à Vous show, broadcast on France 5 on Tuesday, 2025. In an interview marked by emotion and pride, he reflected on the club's historic Champions League victory.
Asked about PSG's transformation, the Qatari leader highlighted the paradigm shift implemented by the club: 'Today, the superstar is the team. We are a family, 23 soldiers on and off the pitch. We have stars today, we have Dembélé, Marquinhos, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Hakimi, we have many players, the whole team is a star. But today the stars play and work for the team.' This new approach, centered on the collective and the promotion of young talent, marks a break with the era of individual superstars.
The PSG president paid tribute to other major French clubs: 'We are proud to represent France alongside Monaco, Brest and Lille. French football is shining in Europe thanks to all these clubs.'
The show was punctuated by video messages of congratulations from prominent personalities and iconic players. Ousmane Dembele, PSG's star striker, paid special tribute to his president: 'When I signed for Paris Saint-Germain, he told me that we were going to achieve our objectives, that we were going to win the most beautiful competition. Two years later, we did it. It's exceptional.'
Nasser Al Khelaifi in return praised the player: 'Ousmane Dembele is the Ballon d'Or. He's a magnificent player, generous on the pitch and off it, he's an example.'
Malik Bentalha and Teddy Riner also praised the Parisian leader's commitment and vision.
Al Khelaifi was full of praise for the supporters: 'Our supporters are the best in the world. I want to thank all of France and all the French people, for once I felt all of France behind us. That touched us deeply.'
The PSG president also had warm words for the club's former iconic players: 'I want to thank Kylian for what he gave to the club. Him, Messi, Neymar, Ibrahimovic... all the players, because it was an important period for the club. We're lucky this year, but I wish him the best at Real, from the bottom of my heart.'
Speaking about the star that will soon adorn the Parisian jersey, Nasser Al Khelaïfi was measured: 'We haven't decided yet, we want to play with the star for the Club World Cup, but we must remain humble. This star is magnificent, but the most important thing is the name: 'Paris Saint-Germain'.'
Behind the scenes of the show, Nasser Al Khelaïfi had the opportunity to chat with singer Sting, also a guest that evening, who praised the consistency of the Parisian project. The leader said he was particularly touched by these spontaneous exchanges.
Moved, he concluded by dedicating this victory to his recently deceased mother: 'It's difficult to talk about... but she was with me. It was her dream for us to win this Champions League. This trophy is for my mother too.'

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

NBA superstar Kevin Durant joins Qatar Sports Investments, becomes PSG minority shareholder
NBA superstar Kevin Durant joins Qatar Sports Investments, becomes PSG minority shareholder

ILoveQatar.net

time10 hours ago

  • ILoveQatar.net

NBA superstar Kevin Durant joins Qatar Sports Investments, becomes PSG minority shareholder

Qatar Sports Investments, the majority owner of European Champions Paris Saint-Germain, has signed an investment and strategic partnership agreement with Kevin Durant, one of the most decorated US basketball players of all time and a leading investor in sports and entertainment properties. The deal will see Durant – via his media and investment arm Boardroom, with entrepreneur and long-time business partner Rich Kleiman – acquire a direct minority stake in the Club. In August 2024, Durant – the two-time NBA Champion, four-time Olympic gold medalist, MVP, and fifteen-time NBA All-Star – partnered with Paris Saint-Germain through Arctos Partners, a minority shareholder in the Club. Earlier this week, Qatar Sports Investments and Boardroom Sports Holdings – Durant's personal investment vehicle which holds stakes in a range of leading sports teams and leagues – signed a share purchase and strategic partnership agreement whereby Durant has become a direct minority shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain. As part of the relationship, Boardroom and Qatar Sports Investments will partner on a wide-series of commercial, investment, and content initiatives; and Durant will support the Club on its continued sports and business diversification and growth – including co-developing merchandise and original media content; advising on the Club's US and other international markets strategy; supporting PSG for Communities (the Club's charitable foundation and fundraising arm); and consulting on Paris Saint-Germain's multi-sport strategy including potential plans in basketball. Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Chairman of Qatar Sports Investments said, 'QSI is pleased to welcome Kevin Durant as a direct shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain and strategic partner of our Group. We continually seek to elevate the Club and our broader portfolio through high-impact partnerships that bring strategic value, innovation, and global perspective. Together with Kevin, we look forward to developing ambitious initiatives that will drive the continued global growth of Paris Saint-Germain and QSI.' Kevin Durant said, 'It is an honour to partner with QSI and be a shareholder in Paris Saint-Germain – a Club and a city that is so close to my heart. This club has big plans ahead, and I can't wait to be a part of the next phase of growth; and to explore new investment opportunities with QSI.'

Botafogo stuns UCL champs PSG at FIFA Club World Cup
Botafogo stuns UCL champs PSG at FIFA Club World Cup

Al Jazeera

time17 hours ago

  • Al Jazeera

Botafogo stuns UCL champs PSG at FIFA Club World Cup

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) suffered a shock 1-0 Club World Cup defeat against Brazilian side Botafogo in a hard-fought battle between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. A first-half goal from Brazilian international Igor Jesus proved the difference on Thursday as Botafogo all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds in front of a 53,699 crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. French champions PSG are widely regarded as one of the favourites for FIFA's 32-team tournament after a dazzling season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last month. But their hopes of securing a victory, which would have seen them become the first side to reach the last 16, were stymied by a resilient performance from their opponents from Rio de Janeiro. 'A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is,' goal scorer Jesus said after the win. 'It was a difficult game, and we had to defend well, and we did our job and scored a goal. 'We're really happy – we knew how important this game was. One team was the champion of the Champions League, the other team was the champion of South America,' added Jesus, who had been strongly linked with a move to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest earlier this year before opting to stay with the Brazilians to play in the Club World Cup. 'I think I made the right choice to stay in Botafogo,' Jesus quipped. PSG coach Luis Enrique said his team had expected a tough battle. 'We knew it was going to be a very difficult match – they defended very well,' the Spaniard said. 'This Club World Cup is very intense and difficult, and all the teams are highly motivated, especially when they're playing against us.' The PSG manager, though, was adamant that the European champions still had plenty of time to resurrect their campaign. 'If there's a team that can turn it around, it's our team,' he said. 'We've got to analyse this and there's things we can improve. But I think our performance was good.' PSG picked up where they had left off in Sunday's 4-0 Group B rout of Atletico Madrid, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia testing Botafogo goalkeeper John with an early curling effort after just two minutes. But that early effort was as close as PSG came to scoring in a scrappy first half punctuated by a series of niggling fouls that prevented the European champions from settling into their passing game. Botafogo's midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Gregore and Allan worked tirelessly to close down Vitinha, denying the skilful PSG playmaker time and space to launch attacks despite dominating possession. Instead, it was Botafogo who took the lead with a goal against the run of play on 36 minutes. Jefferson Savarino's perfectly weighted through ball split the PSG defence and sent Jesus racing through on goal. The Botafogo striker did brilliantly to wrongfoot the covering Willian Pacho before sweeping a shot that took a slight deflection past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net. PSG continued to dominate possession through the second half, and spent long periods camped in the final third. But Botafogo's defence held firm and the result leaves the Brazilians firmly on course for the last 16, with a final group game against Atletico Madrid to come in Pasadena on Monday.

Botafogo stuns Paris Saint-Germain in Club World Cup upset
Botafogo stuns Paris Saint-Germain in Club World Cup upset

Al Jazeera

time19 hours ago

  • Al Jazeera

Botafogo stuns Paris Saint-Germain in Club World Cup upset

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) suffered a shock 1-0 Club World Cup defeat against Brazilian side Botafogo in a hard-fought battle between the reigning champions of Europe and South America. A first-half goal from Brazilian international Igor Jesus proved the difference on Thursday as Botafogo all but sealed a place in the knockout rounds in front of a 53,699 crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl. French champions PSG are widely regarded as one of the favourites for FIFA's 32-team tournament after a dazzling season which culminated with a scintillating 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final last month. But their hopes of securing a victory, which would have seen them become the first side to reach the last 16, were stymied by a resilient performance from their opponents from Rio de Janeiro. 'A lot of people wondered, but we showed how strong Botafogo is,' goal scorer Jesus said after the win. 'It was a difficult game, and we had to defend well, and we did our job and scored a goal. 'We're really happy – we knew how important this game was. One team was the champion of the Champions League, the other team was the champion of South America,' added Jesus, who had been strongly linked with a move to English Premier League side Nottingham Forest earlier this year before opting to stay with the Brazilians to play in the Club World Cup. 'I think I made the right choice to stay in Botafogo,' Jesus quipped. PSG coach Luis Enrique said his team had expected a tough battle. 'We knew it was going to be a very difficult match – they defended very well,' the Spaniard said. 'This Club World Cup is very intense and difficult, and all the teams are highly motivated, especially when they're playing against us.' The PSG manager, though, was adamant that the European champions still had plenty of time to resurrect their campaign. 'If there's a team that can turn it around, it's our team,' he said. 'We've got to analyse this and there's things we can improve. But I think our performance was good.' PSG picked up where they had left off in Sunday's 4-0 Group B rout of Atletico Madrid, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia testing Botafogo goalkeeper John with an early curling effort after just two minutes. But that early effort was as close as PSG came to scoring in a scrappy first half punctuated by a series of niggling fouls that prevented the European champions from settling into their passing game. Botafogo's midfield trio of Marlon Freitas, Gregore and Allan worked tirelessly to close down Vitinha, denying the skilful PSG playmaker time and space to launch attacks despite dominating possession. Instead, it was Botafogo who took the lead with a goal against the run of play on 36 minutes. Jefferson Savarino's perfectly weighted through ball split the PSG defence and sent Jesus racing through on goal. The Botafogo striker did brilliantly to wrongfoot the covering Willian Pacho before sweeping a shot that took a slight deflection past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma on its way into the net. PSG continued to dominate possession through the second half, and spent long periods camped in the final third. But Botafogo's defence held firm and the result leaves the Brazilians firmly on course for the last 16, with a final group game against Atletico Madrid to come in Pasadena on Monday.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store