For more than a decade, Paris St Germain has dominated the domestic league with strong financial support from Qatar Sports Investments (QSI).
They filled the club's traditional room with domestic trophies. However, the Champions League title - a symbol of the pinnacle of European football - is always a missing piece, despite PSG's tireless efforts.
billions of Euros have been poured into the transfer market to build a "dream team" with the world's top stars. However, PSG's best result this season was the 2020 Champions League final.
Under Luis Enrique, PSG has maintained a significant spending level, but there has been a clear change in strategy. Instead of chasing "blockbuster" contracts, they focus on building a balanced and sustainable squad, with potential young players who are suitable for the team's playing style.
In previous years, PSG was considered a "sterrel" of world football when recruiting a series of superstars such as Messi, Ramos and especially Mbappe. But when gathering at PSG, they cannot form a unified team.
PSG's playing style lacks cohesion because the stars show off their individual talents, instead of becoming a synchronous tactical machine. "The club of superstars has no soul" or "a strong club but strong people play" are comments reflecting PSG's helplessness in decisive moments.
The paradox is that when Neymar, Messi, Ramos and Mbappe left one after another, PSG found the glory they had longed for. The departure of the superstars seems to have freed the team from the burden of individual expectations, paving the way for a unanimous team where each player fights for a common goal.
Under Enrique, PSG is no longer in the old style, but a real team, built on the foundation of tactical discipline and team spirit.
Throughout this year's Champions League, they have shown impressive strength when defeating giants such as Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal. The pinnacle was a resounding victory in the final, where PSG beat Inter with a record score to lift the prestigious silver cup, relieving a thirst that has lasted for decades.
With this victory, Enrique has put himself in the list of the greatest coaches in football history, becoming one of the few champions of this tournament with two different clubs. Enrique is now on par with legends such as Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. In particular, Enrique also followed his former Barcelona teammate Guardiola to become one of the rare coaches to win a treble against two different teams.
PSG's journey to the Champions League title for the first time is an inspiring story of perseverance and boldness in innovation. From bitter failures with blockbuster stars - where money and reputation cannot guarantee success - to surprising glory when rebuilding from a group of people first after last.
It can be seen that success in football is not just a story of finance or outstanding individuals, but comes from the perfect combination of sharp tactics and the continuous efforts of a whole team.
