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When Kylian Mbappe left PSG for Real Madrid in 2024, many thought the French champions would take a step back. Instead, they’ve done the opposite; under coach Luis Enrique, PSG have turned into one of the most dominant teams in the world.
This season, they’ve already won four major trophies and are now just one game away from lifting the FIFA Club World Cup. Their recent 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the semifinals, the same team Mbappe now plays for, was a loud statement. Fabian Ruiz scored twice, while Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos also found the net in a game that left no doubt about PSG’s current level.
With 168 goals in 64 games, they’re only three away from breaking their all-time season scoring record. They’ve already crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final, and they’ve looked nearly unstoppable for months.
Luis Enrique has taken the spotlight, and rightly so. He didn’t panic after Mbappe left. Instead, he focused on building a strong, united team that plays for each other. According to Real Madrid legend Michel Salgado, that approach is exactly why PSG have become even better.
Salgado praised Enrique for not blaming Mbappe’s exit, instead always highlighting how great it would’ve been to keep him, while quietly creating a new style built on teamwork and high energy. Salgado was especially blown away by Dembele, saying, “Dembele presses like he’s the best defender in the world,” a testament to Enrique’s ability to motivate and transform players.
Now, PSG face Chelsea in the final on Sunday, July 13, in New Jersey. A win would complete what many would call a dream season, without the player everyone thought they couldn’t live without.