History of Paris Saint Germain F.C.

Merger and split (1970–1974)

Towards the end of the 1960s, an ambitious group of businessmen decided to create a major club in the French capital. After a petition was signed by 20,000 people, Paris Saint-Germain Football Club were founded on 12 August 1970 with the merger of Paris FC and Stade Saint-Germain (the latter team having existed since 1904). PSG are today the city's largest club by far, as well as France's most successful club in terms of trophies won.

The Saint-Germain-en-Laye-based first team allowed the brand new Paris Saint-Germain to start their career in Ligue 2 for the 1970–71 campaign. PSG made an immediate impact both on and off the pitch. The club built a substantial fanbase, won the Ligue 2 title and celebrated their first birthday in Ligue 1. The 1971–72 term ended with an honourable 16th-placed finish. PSG have never formally been relegated from Ligue 1. However, the club split into two in 1972. The professional arm of the club joined CA Montreuil and continued life in the top-flight under the name of Paris FC, while PSG assumed amateur status and had to restart in Division 3.

PSG finished second in their group and when first-placed Quevilly balked at promotion, the capital club moved up to Ligue 2 in 1973. During 1973–74, the Parisians were already shining in the French Cup by reaching the quarter-finals. Even better was the second-placed league finish which saw PSG take on Valenciennes in a play-off tie for promotion to Ligue 1. Beaten 2–1 away, PSG won 4–2 at the Parc des Princes on 4 June 1974 and were promoted to Ligue 1, ironically, the same year that Paris FC were relegated. Since then, PSG have always played in Ligue 1.

PSG have always represented both Paris and nearby Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Paris SG play their games in Paris at the Parc des Princes. However, the Camp des Loges (the club's training complex since 1970) is located in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. PSG spent their formative years using the Stade Municipal Georges Lefèvre, located in front of the Camp des Loges, before moving into the Parc des Princes in 1974.

First titles (1974–1991)

Top-tier status was attained within four years and by the end of the 1970s, the Red-and-Blues were ready to embark upon a historic decade. With charismatic presidents Daniel Hechter and, later, Francis Borelli setting the tone, the likes of Carlos Bianchi, Mustapha Dahleb, Safet Sušić and Luis Fernández became the club's first stars, followed closely behind by its first titles. PSG were already starting to make a name for itself by consistently finishing in the top third of Ligue 1.

The club's trophy cabinet welcomed its first major silverware in the shape of the French Cup in 1981–82. PSG defeated AS Saint-Étienne and a certain Michel Platini in the final. The following year, the Parisian side made it back-to-back cups in beating Nantes, while also ending the league season in third place. After ending the 1983–84 campaign in fourth, PSG again qualified for 1985 Coupe de France Final, losing to AS Monaco. Manager Gérard Houllier then led the club to their maiden league success in 1985–86, Safet Sušić pulling the strings in midfield. PSG set a new record of 26 matches without defeat along the way.

Success on the domestic front meant PSG flew France's colours on the European stage. The best result was a quarter-final appearance in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1983, against Belgian outfit Waterschei. The most memorable encounter, however, was the round-of-16 clash against Juventus, who formed the backbone of Italy's World Cup winning side of 1982 reinforced by the likes of Zbigniew Boniek and Platini (PSG were eliminated 2–2 on the away goals rule). Fans had to wait until the 1988–89 term to see Paris battling for the title again, finishing an admirable second with the resulting European adventure ending in the round-of-32 against Juve. But competition for recognition as the capital's No1 sporting entity came from Matra Racing between 1984 and 1989, and PSG went into decline.

Golden era (1991–1998)

The takeover by broadcaster Canal+ in 1991 revitalised the club. It was during the 1990s that PSG really started to develop as a giant of French football. The club entered their 'Golden Era' following the takeover and an avalanche of trophies followed, not to mention the first wave of world-class players to grace the hallowed Parc des Princes turf thanks to the investment of their owners.

At the time, the players lighting up the Parc were also mainstays of their national sides. Bernard Lama, Alain Roche, Paul Le Guen, Vincent Guérin, David Ginola and Youri Djorkaeff all enjoyed stints with France, while Ricardo, Valdo, Raí and Leonardo were regulars for Brazil. But perhaps the greatest talent of all was prolific Liberian marksman George Weah, who followed in the footsteps of PSG's many fine strikers by firing 55 goals in 137 games.

Under experienced manager Artur Jorge, Paris welcomed back UEFA Cup football: PAOK, Napoli, Anderlecht and Real Madrid all fell by the wayside before PSG once again succumbed to their black beast, Juventus, in the last four. It was a brilliant 1992–93 season: European semi-finalist, league runner-up and French Cup winners.

The climb towards the heights continued with the club registering a second Ligue 1 title in 1993–94 and a new French record after going 27 consecutive league matches without defeat. A stunning campaign both domestically and internationally as PSG made the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup.

For the 1994–95 campaign, PSG hired emblematic player Luis Fernández as manager. He led the capital side to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League with a ten-game undefeated streak. Paris were ultimately eliminated by title-holders A.C. Milan after knocking out the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Domestically, PSG won their first ever French League Cup as well as the French Cup for the fourth time in club history.

PSG's crowning glory came with triumph in the 1996 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final, Bruno N'Gotty hitting the only goal as Rapid Wien were defeated 1–0. Celtic, Parma and Deportivo de La Coruña fell by the wayside as PSG joined the elite of European winners. The Parisian side became one of only two French clubs to win a major European title – the other being arch-rivals Olympique de Marseille.

A year later, the Parisians finished runners-up to Barcelona in the same competition. Between these finals, a dazzling Juventus proved too strong for PSG in the 1996 UEFA Super Cup, winning 9–2 on aggregate. Despite a younger squad, the side now managed by former PSG player Ricardo were also league runners-up.

In the 1997–98 season, PSG struggled to maintain their own high standards. For the first time in the Canal+ era, the club was eliminated before the quarter-finals of the Champions League and struggled in Ligue 1. A tough campaign saved by the two national cups lifted by Captain Raí: the French Cup and the French League Cup. PSG also claimed the French Super Cup twice before the turn of the century.

Decline (1998–2006)

Paris then went into decline following years of mismanagement. Three more national trophies arrived and the Parc des Princes faithful also got to marvel at the likes of Marco Simone, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nicolas Anelka, Ronaldinho, Gabriel Heinze, Juan Pablo Sorín, Mario Yepes and Pauleta, but the club became better known for lurching from one high-profile crisis to another.

1998–99 was all about changes. After seven seasons in the hot seat, Michel Denisot left the presidency of PSG, while manager Philippe Bergeroo saved the club from relegation. Bergeroo rebuilt the team and PSG qualified again for the UEFA Champions League in 1999–2000.

However, following a devastating 5–1 loss to Sedan halfway through the 2000–01 season, manager Philippe Bergeroo made way for Luis Fernández. Six months later, PSG finished ninth in the league, yet miraculously earned a place in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. The campaign will be remembered for a great run in the Champions League, brought undone by an incredible comeback from Deportivo de La Coruña.

PSG launched the 2001–02 term by claiming the 2001 UEFA Intertoto Cup, and then recorded a fourth-place finish in Ligue 1 thanks to the rise of Brazilian genius Ronaldinho. The 2002–03 season saw PSG finish 11th, the worst league position of the last 15 years. The 2003 Coupe de France Final was PSG's last chance to qualify for European competition, but lost 2–1 against AJ Auxerre at the Stade de France. Three wins over Olympique de Marseille in Le Classique, including a first win at the Stade Vélodrome in 20 years, were the only thing to remember from an otherwise catastrophic campaign.

Despite Ronaldinho's departure for Barcelona, new president Francis Graille, incoming manager Vahid Halilhodžić and star signing Pauleta ensured PSG had their most prolific season for nearly ten years in 2003–04 season. The club won the French Cup against LB Châteauroux and finished second in Ligue 1 (three points adrift champions Olympique Lyonnais). But in 2004–05 the team slipped alarmingly down the table and former PSG midfielder Laurent Fournier replaced Halilhodžić. Eliminated from all cup competitions, PSG ended up in ninth place. There were still highs along the way, like PSG's superb 2–0 win over reigning European champions Porto in the Champions League, as well as the seventh and eighth consecutive wins against Marseille.

All boded well in the opening months of the 2005–06 season. Unfortunately, a series of poor results sent Laurent Fournier's side into a downward spiral. PSG president Pierre Blayau appointed Guy Lacombe as manager during the winter break. Despite a ninth-placed finish, the Red-and-Blues defeated arch-rivals Marseille 2–1 in the 2006 Coupe de France Final to lift their seventh French Cup and move above AS Saint-Étienne (six titles) in the record books.

Relegation battles (2006–2008)

PSG's form dwindled as they slipped further down the table and eventually, a split from owners Canal+ became inevitable. After years of underachievement, Canal+ sold the club to Colony Capital, Butler Capital Partners and Morgan Stanley in 2006. Colony Capital eventually bought out Morgan Stanley's shares in the club to become 95% owners.

The capital club began the 2006–07 season losing to Olympique Lyonnais on penalties in the French Super Cup. In January, Guy Lacombe was replaced by Paul Le Guen as manager. PSG were still knocked out of the French Cup, fell to the relegation zone and crashed out of the UEFA Cup to Benfica. But PSG reacted and secured top-flight status in the penultimate game of the season thanks to a victory over Troyes and a brace from Ligue 1 top scorer Pauleta.

Things didn't change for the 2007–08 season. PSG won for the first time in week 6 and had to wait until the second half of the campaign to record a first home win. Paradoxically, PSG performed wonders in both cups, reaching the French Cup final and winning the League Cup. The cup triumph was translated into a grandstand finish in Ligue 1, as the capital club avoided the drop by taking eight of a possible 12 points in the final four games.

Revival (2008–2011)

Under new president Charles Villeneuve, PSG signed experienced players Claude Makélélé and Ludovic Giuly, as well as two of Ligue 1's most promising talents in Guillaume Hoarau and Stéphane Sessègnon. The Parisian side played a leading role for most of the 2008–09 season before finishing in sixth place. PSG were also League Cup semi-finalists and reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup.

Ahead of the 2009–10 season, Paris signed goalkeeper Grégory Coupet, striker Mevlüt Erdinç and flying full-back Christophe Jallet, while former club defender Antoine Kombouaré returned as manager. Despite a good start, PSG were rapidly out of the title hunt, but still going strong in the cups. The French Cup run would take PSG all the way to the Stade de France. The capital club defeated AS Monaco in the 2010 Coupe de France Final thanks to Guillaume Haorau's goal in extra-time. It was an eighth French Cup crown for PSG, qualifying once again to the UEFA Europa League – the successor to the UEFA Cup – in the process.

Nenê, brilliant with Monaco the season before, Mathieu Bodmer and Siaka Tiéné were brought in as PSG wanted to celebrate their 40th anniversary in style. The Red-and-Blues competed in the season curtain-raiser – the French Super Cup – but lost on penalties to rivals Olympique de Marseille. However, PSG quickly found their cruising altitude in Ligue 1, and after a stirring 2–1 home win in Le Classique in week 12, the club would not quit the top five for the rest of the season, finishing fourth. PSG were also French Cup finalists, League Cup semi-finalists and reached the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League during their 2010–11 campaign.

Third league title (2011–2013)

After two years of solid progress and stability under the stewardship of manager Antoine Kombouaré and president Robin Leproux, the club was purchased by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2011. Club legend Leonardo was brought back as sporting director. He oversaw a spending spree that has so far been unprecedented in Ligue 1 history, which brought in Diego Lugano, Javier Pastore, Maxwell, Alex, Thiago Motta, Blaise Matuidi, Kévin Gameiro and Jérémy Ménez.

Kombouaré's men, led by an irrepressible Pastore, were league leaders at the winter break, but the board still recruited famous manager Carlo Ancelotti. He became the first ever PSG manager to win his first five competitive matches. In stunning form until now, Paris lost top spot to Montpellier in March, losing the 2011–12 title to the latter. PSG, in turn, qualified to the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2004–05.

Reinforced by star signings Ezequiel Lavezzi, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Thiago Silva, Paris warmed up for the 2012–13 season with the aim of winning the league crown. PSG reached the summit of Ligue 1 before Christmas, after initially struggling to break their domestic opponents. Despite a minor wobble in early 2013, PSG battled back into the lead again and retained it for the remainder of the season.

Quarter-finals exits in both the French League Cup and the French Cup meant PSG just had to focus on the league. Ligue 1 top scorer Zlatan's 30-goal haul almost single-handedly led the capital side, but in the end, a 1–0 win away to Olympique Lyonnais secured the club's first Ligue 1 title in 19 years, and third overall. Jérémy Ménez struck the goal that sent Paris into rapture.

Back in the Champions League after an eight-year absence, the key moment was the home win over Porto. With it, PSG took top spot in their group. PSG outclassed Valencia in the last-16 to face Spanish giants Barcelona in the quarter-finals. The match lived up to the hype, with Blaise Matuidi scoring in the last minute of a thrilling 2–2 draw at the Parc des Princes. Then, away at the Camp Nou, Javier Pastore opened the scoring for Carlo Ancelotti's men, only to be eliminated on away goals by Pedro’s equaliser.

Domestic dominance (2013–2016)

Edinson Cavani joined the squad now managed by Laurent Blanc, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti. PSG opened the 2013–14 season winning the French Super Cup against Girondins de Bordeaux. Paris SG defended their title and also secured a maiden national treble thanks to a 2–1 win over Olympique Lyonnais in the 2014 Coupe de la Ligue Final.

One of the turning points of the season was the first Le Classique. Reduced to ten men and trailing on the scoreboard, Paris came from behind to defeat Olympique de Marseille. In the UEFA Champions League, group toppers PSG demolished Bayer Leverkusen 6–1 on aggregate in the last-16 and impressed with a second consecutive quarter-final defeat on away goals to Chelsea.

PSG began the 2014–15 season claiming the 2014 Trophée des Champions with a 2–0 win over Guingamp. However, Paris then struggled to impose themselves in Ligue 1. With three wins and five draws, PSG were sitting five points adrift of Marseille after eight games. December saw a first loss of the campaign to Guingamp as PSG finished the first half of the season in third place. An away victory over Marseille and a 4–0 win in the 2015 Coupe de la Ligue Final against Bastia followed.

In the Champions League, Thiago Silva and company produced an heroic qualification at Stamford Bridge, knocking Chelsea out last-16 on the away goals rule. However, PSG were eliminated in the quarter-finals by future finalists Barcelona. Fighting with Lyon in the French championship, Paris set an unstoppable pace and secured a fifth Ligue 1 title in their history and the third in a row. The capital club then left their mark on French football by defeating AJ Auxerre 1–0 with a goal from Edinson Cavani in the 2015 Coupe de France Final at the Stade de France to claim an unprecedented national quadruple.

Argentina star Ángel Di María bolstered the squad for the 2015–16 season, which began with a third consecutive French Super Cup with a 2–0 win over Lyon. PSG continued in the Ligue 1 in similar fashion, finishing with a record 51 points at the midway point of the season. The Parisians were crowned league champions in mid-March – the fastest ever – with a festival of goals against Troyes. It finished 9–0; the biggest away win in the history of the league. PSG also set a new record for number of points with 96. Only Lyon (stopping a record 36 matches without defeat in Ligue 1) and then AS Monaco managed to down PSG.

In the Champions League group phase, Paris SG finished second behind future winners Real Madrid. However, after eliminating Chelsea in the last-16 of the Champions League, PSG were once again ousted in the quarter-finals by Manchester City. Now solely focused on defending its historic quadruple, PSG lifted the French League Cup with a 2–1 triumph over Lille, before clinching the French Cup by defeating Marseille 4–2 in the final. It was a tenth French Cup for Paris, equalling the all-time record of wins, and a tenth-straight Le Classique win over Marseille. With four more trophies and 156 goals (overtaking Pauleta's all-time scoring record for the club), Zlatan Ibrahimović left the capital club at the end of four highly successful seasons.