Former France president explains benefits of PSG life without Lionel Messi, Neymar, David Beckham & Zlatan Ibrahimovic – as Kylian Mbappe’s forcing of Real Madrid move is questioned

Since welcoming considerable funding from Qatar Sports Investments to Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain have made a habit of snapping up superstar performers – as they mimic the ‘Galacticos’ recruitment model of Real Madrid.

Some of the greatest players from the modern era have turned out for the Ligue 1 giants, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic another household name to have graced their books, but a change in approach has been implemented by Spanish head coach Luis Enrique. Sarkozy has told Le Parisien of that: “The era of PSG with stars was undoubtedly necessary to create an international brand image. And I won't forget the joy of having seen Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Messi, Beckham, Mbappe play... It was exceptional. It was probably time to remind people that team play takes precedence over the quality of a player. That's the exact philosophy of the current coach.”

Mbappe was the last of the superstars to depart, as he left for Real Madrid as a free agent in the summer of 2024. Sarkozy added on the way a World Cup-winning Frenchman set about forcing a move away from his homeland: “Kylian gave seven years to the club – you can’t forget that. He gave us extraordinary emotions. He illustrates what we always see as a temptation; we always think that the grass is greener on the other side. I can understand that he wanted to leave. I understand his dream but I find it more difficult to understand the way in which he carried it out, but it’s his choice.”

Mbappe, who is PSG’s all-time leading goalscorer, opted against signing a new contract and earning his former employers a transfer fee when deciding to head for Spain. Enrique’s side have fared admirably without him, picking up 13 points from five Ligue 1 games this season.