End of an Era? PSG's Qatari project valued at over €1.9bn collapses again after UCL flop against Dortmund

Kylian Mbappe

End of an Era? PSG's Qatari project valued at over €1.9bn collapses again after UCL flop against Dortmund

Izuchukwu Akawor 07:07 - 08.05.2024

Billions spent, no European glory for PSG's Qatari-backed superteam after the latest Champions League heartbreak against Borussia Dortmund.

A disgruntled Paris Saint-Germain fan has declared the club's mega-money "Qatari project" over after their latest Champions League failure against Borussia Dortmund, bemoaning the accumulation of superstar talent that has failed to deliver European glory.

PSG's hopes of a first-ever Champions League title were shattered once more after a 2-0 aggregate semifinal defeat to Mats-Hummels-led Borussia Dortmund, in which they failed to score over two legs.

End of PSG’s Qatari Era

For one fan, it spelt the apparent "end" of the French giants' era of heavy investment under their Qatari owners in pursuit of the ultimate prize.

"The PSG Qatari project finally comes to an end," the supporter said on X. "They signed the likes of superstars Ibrahimovic, Cavani, Lavezzi, Verratti, Di Maria, Pastore, Marquinhos, Neymar, Mbappe, (Lionel) Messi, Icardi etc in that time just to win the UCL but it never happened."

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe also failed to deliver the UCL trophy to their Qatar owners.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe also failed to deliver the UCL trophy to their Qatar owners. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Since Qatar Sports Investments' multi-billion takeover in 2011, PSG have spent exorbitant fees to assemble a star-studded squad capable of conquering Europe.

Yet for all the marquee arrivals of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marco Verratti, Angel Di Maria, Javier Pastore and Marquinhos early on, the Champions League has remained an elusive dream.

Adrien Rabiot, Edson Cavani, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their time at PSG.
Adrien Rabiot, Edson Cavani, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their time at PSG. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Even the stratospheric, post-2017 captures of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi and Mauro Icardi were not enough to get PSG over the line.

The French champions had been touted as one of the favourites this year but came up short against Dortmund, leading to heavy fan backlash.

Carlo Ancelotti also failed to deliver the UCL title at PSG.
Carlo Ancelotti also failed to deliver the UCL title at PSG. (Photo Credit: Imago)

While the fan's comments are undoubtedly borne of frustration, suggestions the "project" is over may be premature, given the incredible resources at PSG's disposal.

However, there is no doubt that the accumulation of talents and incredible expense means winning the Champions League is the minimum requirement if the Qatari era is to be judged a success.

Mats Hummels, the man who inspired PSG's latest UCL failure.
Mats Hummels, the man who inspired PSG's latest UCL failure.

PSG's hierarchy is likely to back the team further in another push for European glory next season. But fan apathy will grow if the long wait goes on, regardless of domestic dominance.

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