PSG vs Real Madrid (2022 Champions League Round of 16)

Lore & Background

PSG was founded in 1970 following the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain. The club won Ligue 2 in its first season and achieved promotion to Ligue 1. After a split in 1972, PSG was relegated to Division 3 but returned to the top flight in 1974 and moved to the Parc des Princes. The club's first trophies came in the 1980s, including back-to-back Coupe de France in 1982 and 1983 and its first Ligue 1 title in 1986. The takeover by Canal+ in 1991 revitalized PSG, leading to nine trophies and five consecutive European semi-finals in the 1990s, including the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1996. After struggles in the early 2000s, the Qatar Sports Investments takeover in 2011 transformed the club, leading to sustained domestic dominance and international success, including UEFA Champions League titles in 2025 and 2026.

Reader's Guide

PSG's home matches are played at the Parc des Princes. The club's traditional colours are red, blue, and white. The official mascot is Germain the Lynx, unveiled during the 2010 Tournoi de Paris. The current official anthem is 'Allez Paris‑Saint‑Germain!' (2010 version), performed to the tune of 'Go West' by Village People. The club's most iconic mottos include 'Ici, c'est Paris' and 'Paris est magique'.

Did You Know?

• PSG is the most successful club in French football with 61 official trophies, including 60 major honours.
• The club has won a record 14 Ligue 1 titles, 16 Coupes de France, 9 Coupes de la Ligue, and 14 Trophée des Champions.
• Internationally, PSG has won six major trophies: two UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, two UEFA Super Cups, the UEFA Intertoto Cup, and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
• Before the QSI takeover in 2011, PSG had won 18 major trophies, including one UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, two Ligue 1 titles, and eight Coupes de France.
• Since 2011, PSG has been majority-owned by Qatar Sports Investments, with Arctos Partners acquiring a minority stake in 2023 and Boardroom in 2025.