In the world of football, the departure and stay of stars can always attract the attention and discussion of countless fans. Recently, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid, we have once again been forced to face the age-old question: how does a club deal with itself when a superstar leaves?
Historically, France's stars have always tended to continue their careers in Serie A or La Liga, with Real Madrid and Juventus emerging as their top picks. From Kopa to Platini to Zinedine Zidane, these names have created countless glories in foreign leagues. And now, Mbappe's joining Real Madrid is undoubtedly inheriting such a tradition. This is not only a personal career choice, but also reflects an important trend in the world of football.
Paris Saint-Germain, a club run by Qataris, is also facing the challenge of transformation. Their strategy was clear: to build a sports program based on young players and emphasizing collective combat. This transition, while not easy, is a choice that must be made for the sake of sustainable development.
The club's brand influence and international reputation have relied on superstars such as Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe to sustain it. However, with their departure, PSG must find new ways to maintain its international status. After all, winning the Champions League is the ultimate victory.
The influence of social networking cannot be underestimated. Paris Saint-Germain once had these superstars, with a total of more than 1 billion followers on social platforms. But the departure of superstars, especially Kylian Mbappe, means the club has to maintain its social media presence and brand value without such world-class stars. This is undoubtedly a huge challenge for Paris Saint-Germain.
Sponsor attitudes are also complicated. They are more inclined to be associated with star players, which is a test for the club. While there have been no reports of major brands divesting, the desire for future collaborations is questionable.
Jersey sales and ticket revenues were also directly affected. After the departures of Messi and Neymar, jersey sales and ticket popularity in Paris have declined. This is not only due to the loss of two superstars, but also because the fans' confidence in the future of the club has been shaken.
However, in the face of these challenges, PSG has also shown their resilience and courage to transform. They are trying to create a new team image, one that relies not only on individual superstars, but also on collective strength and the development of young players.
While the superstar's departure will have a short-term impact on the club, in the long run, it could be an opportunity for PSG to move towards a healthier, more sustainable path. After all, football is a team sport, and true victory comes from the effort and collaboration of the whole team.
As a regular football fan, I am looking forward to seeing a new era of PSG, who will not only be able to succeed in the future competitions, but also be able to shine without the halo of superstars.