PSG President Criticizes Mbappé After Maiden Champions League Win

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi took a pointed jab at former star Kylian Mbappé shortly after PSG won their first UEFA Champions League title in the 2024-2025 season, emphasizing that scoring goals in La Liga is easier than in Ligue 1. Al-Khelaifi highlighted PSG's success against top Premier League clubs in the Champions League, defending Ligue 1 against criticism of being a 'farmers league,' and praised coach Luis Enrique's meritocratic approach to team selection. Mbappé, who left PSG for Real Madrid in 2024, had a prolific debut season with 43 goals but failed to win major titles, prompting Al-Khelaifi to indirectly question his achievements. The PSG president's comments have underscored ongoing tensions following Mbappé's free transfer departure and the legal dispute over unpaid bonuses. Despite Mbappé's record as PSG’s all-time top scorer, Al-Khelaifi implied that the club's Champions League triumph was achieved without the French forward, contrasting the club's collective success with Mbappé's individual accolades at Real Madrid. The remarks reflect lingering strains between Mbappé and PSG leadership amid the club's historic European victory.