Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is one of the most famous football clubs in the world today. With a star-studded lineup that has included players like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé, many fans expect the club to dominate European football. However, despite their domestic success and massive financial backing, PSG has struggled to win the most prestigious club competition in Europe- the UEFA Champions League (UCL). So, has PSG ever won the Champions League? The short answer is no. Despite coming close on several occasions, the club has yet to lift the famous trophy. Win Betting Tips will explore PSG’s history in the Champions League, their near misses, and the reasons behind their failures.
PSG’s early history in the Champions League
Before discussing PSG’s recent struggles, it is important to understand their early days in European football.
PSG’s formation and early European appearances
Paris Saint-Germain was founded in 1970 and quickly became one of France’s top clubs. However, in the early years, PSG was not a dominant force in European football. The club made its UEFA Champions League debut in the 1986-87 season, but they were eliminated in the second round.
PSG’s first major European success – The 1996 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup
While PSG has never won the Champions League, they did win a European trophy in 1996- the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. This was a tournament for teams that had won their domestic cup competitions. PSG defeated Rapid Vienna 1-0 in the final, with Bruno N’Gotty scoring the winning goal.
Although this victory was a significant moment in the club’s history, PSG’s dream was always to win the Champions League, the most prestigious competition in club football.
PSG’s best Champions League campaigns
Has PSG won the Champions League? Over the past decade, PSG has evolved from a team struggling to make an impact in Europe to a genuine title contender. Among their various UCL campaigns, two stand out as their most successful- the 2019-20 season, when they reached their first final, and the 2020-21 season, which saw another deep run into the semi-finals.
2019-20: The closest PSG has come to Glory
The 2019-20 campaign was a landmark season for PSG, as they finally broke the curse of early eliminations and made it to their first-ever Champions League final. Under the management of Thomas Tuchel, PSG showcased a mix of attacking brilliance and defensive solidity, overcoming strong opposition in their journey to the last match of the tournament.
One of the most memorable moments came in the quarter-finals against Atalanta, where PSG seemed destined for elimination. As the match entered stoppage time, they were trailing 1-0, but a late equalizer from Marquinhos and a dramatic winner from Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the dying moments secured a 2-1 victory. In the semi-finals, they produced a dominant 3-0 win over RB Leipzig, proving that they had the quality to reach the pinnacle of European football.
The final against Bayern Munich, however, was a heartbreaking affair for PSG. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, including clear-cut chances for Neymar and Kylian Mbappé, they were unable to break through Bayern's defense. A lone goal from Kingsley Coman, a former PSG academy graduate, sealed a 1-0 victory for the German side, leaving PSG's dream of European glory unfulfilled. Despite the disappointment, this campaign proved that PSG could compete with the best and was no longer just a "domestic powerhouse" limited to dominating Ligue 1.
Has PSG won the Champions League? 2020-21: Another near miss
Riding the momentum from their successful 2019-20 campaign, PSG entered the following season with renewed hope of conquering Europe. This time, they had Mauricio Pochettino at the helm after Tuchel’s mid-season departure. Once again, they made headlines with impressive performances, particularly in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, a thrilling rematch of the previous year’s final.
PSG produced a stunning 3-2 victory in Munich, with Mbappé delivering a masterclass by scoring a brace. Although they lost the second leg 1-0 at home, they advanced on away goals, eliminating the defending champions in a statement win. However, their journey was halted in the semi-finals by Manchester City, who outclassed them over two legs, winning 4-1 on aggregate.
Learn more about the bookmaker ratings list to choose a reputable betting platform to experience top entertainment services.
Why has PSG failed to win the Champions League?
Despite being one of the richest clubs in the world and boasting a squad filled with world-class talent, Paris Saint-Germain has consistently failed to capture the UEFA Champions League. While they have come close on multiple occasions, particularly in the 2019-20 season when they reached the final, they have ultimately fallen short due to several recurring issues.
Lack of team chemistry and tactical discipline
One of PSG’s biggest weaknesses has been its inability to function as a well-balanced, cohesive unit. Over the years, the club has made high-profile signings, bringing in players like Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi, but their collection of superstars has not always translated into success. Unlike clubs such as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or Manchester City, which emphasize team structure and tactical discipline, PSG has often relied too heavily on individual brilliance.
A key example of this was their 2022 Champions League elimination against Real Madrid. Despite leading 2-0 on aggregate, PSG collapsed after a Karim Benzema hat-trick in the second leg, with their lack of defensive structure and organization becoming painfully evident. Their midfield has often been overrun in crucial games, and the reliance on attacking stars who do not track back has left the defense exposed.
Additionally, internal conflicts and locker-room tensions have also affected team chemistry. Reports of power struggles between Neymar and Mbappé, disagreements between players and managers, and an overall lack of leadership have made it difficult for PSG to build a strong, unified squad.
Weak mentality in big matches
Another major reason behind PSG’s Champions League failures has been their fragility in high-pressure situations. Time and again, they have suffered dramatic collapses in crucial knockout games, often snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.
Some of the most infamous examples include:
- 2017 vs. Barcelona ("La Remontada") – After winning the first leg 4-0, PSG suffered one of the most shocking meltdowns in football history, losing 6-1 at Camp Nou and getting eliminated.
- 2019 vs. Manchester United – PSG won the first leg 2-0 at Old Trafford, but in the return leg at Parc des Princes, they lost 3-1 due to a late penalty, once again crashing out.
- 2022 vs. Real Madrid – Holding a 2-0 aggregate lead with 30 minutes left, PSG fell apart as Benzema scored a hat-trick, sending them home in yet another humiliating exit.
- This recurring pattern suggests that PSG struggles to handle adversity in knockout stages. While other European giants like Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool thrive under pressure, PSG has frequently collapsed when facing elite opposition.
Managerial instability and lack of long-term vision
PSG’s lack of managerial stability has also been a major obstacle to their Champions League success. Since QSI (Qatar Sports Investments) took over in 2011, PSG has changed managers frequently, preventing the team from establishing a long-term footballing philosophy. Some of the most notable managers PSG has had include:
Carlo Ancelotti (2011-2013) – Helped PSG re-establish itself as a dominant force in France but left due to disagreements with the club’s leadership.
- Laurent Blanc (2013-2016) – Won multiple Ligue 1 titles but was criticized for failing in Europe.
- Unai Emery (2016-2018) – Known for his disastrous UCL collapse vs. Barcelona.
- Thomas Tuchel (2018-2020) – Led PSG to their first-ever Champions League final but was fired just months later.
- Mauricio Pochettino (2021-2022) – Struggled to impose his philosophy and was sacked after just one full season.
- Christophe Galtier (2022-2023) – Won Ligue 1 but was dismissed after another disappointing UCL campaign.
To wrap it up
Has PSG won the Champions League? As of today, PSG has never won the Champions League, but they have come close, especially in 2020. Despite disappointments and failures, the club remains one of the most powerful teams in Europe. The question remains: Will PSG finally win the UCL in the future? Only time will tell. But until then, PSG fans will continue to dream of lifting their first-ever Champions League trophy.
Refer to: Who is the owner of Paris St Germain? Full ownership details.
