For years, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was the ultimate poster child for football excess – Qatari oil money, galactic superstars, and all the glitz that came with it. Neymar, Mbappé, Messi: a trio that could have headlined a FIFA fantasy XI rather than a real-life squad. And yet, somehow, all that spending didn’t bring the UEFA Champions League crown they so desperately craved.

Fast forward to today, and things look... different.

Under Luis Enrique, PSG finally lifted the elusive Champions League trophy. Their football was fluid, fearless, and fundamentally entertaining. From dominating Ligue 1 to blowing teams apart in Europe, and now coasting through the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a statement 4–0 demolition of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the Round of 16, they’ve looked like football's final boss.

But here’s the catch: has PSG become so likeable that we’ve forgotten why they are this good in the first place?

A Makeover or a Mask?

There’s no denying that PSG’s identity has shifted. Gone are the days of signing 29-year-old megastars with astronomical salaries. In their place? Hungry young talents like Bradley Barcola, Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Joao Neves. A fresh project. A new footballing ethos. Hardworking players with humility and ambition.

Football romantics have applauded this pivot, but let’s not get carried away.

These youngsters aren’t Ligue 1 academy gems unearthed from the Parisian suburbs. They’re top-tier, high-priced signings from across Europe. Well-coached and well-scouted? Absolutely. But affordable under a normal football budget? Not even close.

This is still oil-backed football, just with a modern rebrand.

The Soft Power Game

Let’s be honest. Oil clubs, be it Manchester City, Newcastle United, or PSG, aren’t just about football. They’re often political projects, instruments of soft power. A UCL or Club World Cup win is more than just silverware; it’s a strategic victory for the countries funding them.

Sure, PSG play fantastic football. And yes, they’ve ditched their Galáctico addiction. But their transformation is not grassroots or organic, it’s heavily bankrolled. Luis Enrique deserves immense credit, but his squad was assembled with bottomless financial resources.

In any other context, we’d be more critical. But PSG’s charm offensive seems to be working.

Are They the Least Disliked Oil Club?

Right now? Probably, yes.

While Manchester City continues to wrestle with over 100 Premier League financial charges, and Newcastle’s Saudi links regularly draw scrutiny, PSG’s current success is celebrated with less pushback. Their football is fun. Their manager is likable. Their squad feels fresh.

But don’t be fooled, this isn’t a fairytale. It’s a well-funded empire wearing a more subtle crown.

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