1970 Founding Era

Lore & Background

Paris Saint-Germain were founded in 1970 following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain. PSG made an immediate impact, winning Ligue 2 and thus achieving promotion to Ligue 1 in their first season. PSG's momentum was soon halted, and the club split in 1972. Paris FC remained in the top flight, while PSG were relegated to Division 3. After two consecutive promotions, PSG quickly returned to the top flight in 1974 and moved to the Parc des Princes.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered against the concrete stands of the Parc des Princes in late 1970. Inside the tunnel, a young striker adjusted his new jersey—the red and blue stripes feeling heavier than any previous kit he had worn. He looked back at the mixed crowd, a chaotic blend of Saint-Germain loyalists and Paris FC dreamers, all united by a hope that was as fragile as it was fierce. There were no billionaires in the stands yet, only the raw noise of a city desperate for its own champion. As the referee blew the whistle, the striker realized this wasn't just a match; it was an experiment in identity, a gamble to see if two broken halves could truly make a whole.

Reader's Guide

Since their foundation, Paris Saint-Germain have represented both the city of Paris and the nearby royal town of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. As a result, red, blue and white are the club's traditional colours. The red and blue are Parisian colours, a nod to revolutionary figures Lafayette and Jean Sylvain Bailly, and the white is a symbol of French royalty and Saint-Germain-en-Laye. On the club's crest, the Eiffel Tower in red and the blue background represent Paris, while the fleur de lys in white is a hint to the coat of arms of Saint-Germain-en-Laye.

Did You Know?

• PSG's first official anthem was 'Allez Paris!', recorded by Belgian actress and singer Annie Cordy in 1971.
• The club's current official anthem is a 2010 version of 'Allez Paris‑Saint‑Germain!', performed to the tune of 'Go West' by Village People.
• The club's mascot, Germain the Lynx, was unveiled during the 2010 Tournoi de Paris in commemoration of the club's 40th anniversary.
• PSG has won 61 official trophies, including 60 major honours, making it the most successful club in French football.