Aoba Tanaka 
Paris Saint-Germain's French forward #07 Kylian Mbappe reatcs at the end of the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg football match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Borussia Dortmund, at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on May 7, 2024. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP)
Kylian Mbappe’s final Champions League moment in a Paris St-Germain jersey ended in disappointment as he slipped while chasing a lost cause against Borussia Dortmund. The slip not only symbolized PSG’s defeat but also marked the culmination of a star-studded yet unsuccessful era in European football for the club.
Kylian Mbappe’s dream of lifting the Champions League trophy at Wembley turned into a nightmare as his final act in the competition for Paris St-Germain ended in disappointment. Instead of triumph, Mbappe’s last moment was marred by a slip in injury time, epitomizing PSG’s exit from the tournament at the hands of Borussia Dortmund.
Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, reflecting on Mbappe’s subdued performance, remarked on the stark contrast to the player’s usual prowess in high-pressure situations. Despite his pedigree, Mbappe failed to make a decisive impact over the two legs against Dortmund, highlighting the collective frustration of PSG’s star-studded lineup.
Since Qatar Sports Investment’s takeover of PSG in 2011, the pursuit of Champions League glory became the club’s paramount objective, fueled by lavish spending on top talent. The acquisitions of Neymar in 2017, Mbappe in 2018, and Lionel Messi in 2021 seemed to solidify PSG’s position as contenders for European dominance.
However, despite their formidable attacking trio, PSG’s Champions League aspirations remain unfulfilled. The departure of Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi in the upcoming transfer window underscores the end of an era characterized by immense talent but a glaring absence of European success.
While PSG has enjoyed domestic dominance, securing multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups since 2017, the elusive Champions League trophy has remained out of reach. Despite reaching the final in 2020 and the semifinals in subsequent seasons, PSG’s European campaigns have often ended in disappointment, leaving fans and stakeholders disillusioned.
Kylian Mbappe’s slip in the dying moments of PSG’s Champions League exit encapsulates the end of an era marked by unfulfilled promise and missed opportunities. Despite boasting a star-studded lineup and significant investment, PSG’s failure to clinch the Champions League trophy reflects the challenges of translating domestic success into European glory. As PSG prepares for a new chapter without its marquee stars, the quest for Champions League triumph remains an enduring challenge for the club.
