Paris had never seen such celebrations for a title. More than the French champion trophy, the Parc des Princes celebrated this Sunday evening, following the defeat against Toulouse (1-3), a fiftieth line in the history of PSG. For the occasion, the capital club had thought big, much bigger than usual. Around the traditional platform, on which the Parisians received a twelfth Hexagoal, an orchestra conducted by Thomas Roussel, wearing the new jersey was installed.
Before the show began in a Parc des Princes, which had not been deserted by its spectators, Michel Montana sent a moving farewell after thirty years spent warming up the Porte de Saint-Cloud stadium where his legendary voice which resonated since April 17, 1994. An evening when the future French champion was held in check by Monaco (1-1).
The sound and light presented before the trophy presentation was of exceptional quality. (Photo by Philippe Lecoeur/FEP/Icon Sport) 2024 Icon Sport
After these touching words, we had to wait a few more minutes before the Park was plunged into darkness and only lit up again in the presence of around thirty musicians who launched the concert. Violinists, double bassists and percussionists set the tempo for precise sound and light under a white canvas projecting certain moments of the season.
Luis Enrique withdrawn
Dembélé’s dribbles, Mbappé’s goals, Luis Enrique’s smile, the dates of the French championship titles as well as the faces of the players who participated in obtaining this title (even those of Layvin Kurzawa, Cher Ndour or Alexandre Letellier) in colors close to the comic strip appeared. To conclude this moment, the traditional fireworks were out, lighting up the Parisian night.
For this unique spectacle, the Parisian ultras were also invited to the party. Friday, they had also participated in rehearsals and it is for this reason that they were in the enclosure before welcoming Kylian Mbappé, a few moments after the announcement of his departure on social networks for a last exchange and an impromptu barbecue. Horn in hand, one of the musicians sang one of the PSG anthems (All together we will sing) for a symphonic version, taken up in unison by the Auteuil corner which let off a few smoke bombs for the occasion.
After this fiery sound and light, the title ceremony began and the musicians this time offered a revisited version of Phil Collins’ entrance music. This time, it was led by Michel Montana who played his last round there. Mamadou Sakho and Jérémy Ménez, former PSG players, had the honor of presenting the individual distinctions.
Luis Enrique wasn’t really in the spirit of celebrating. (Photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP) AFP or Licensors
Luis Enrique, warmly applauded, entered first accompanied by his deputies. Tired, the coach stayed behind, his face closed. No doubt he wanted to leave this moment to his players. He certainly wasn’t in the spirit of celebrating, after a week and two defeats, one much heavier than the other. “This title is deserved, we were the best team in France, by far,” he said after the ceremony. But we are quite disappointed because there were important dates, key dates, and the supporters would have deserved a 10/10. We deserved to be whistled, but that was not the case, and this title is more than deserved for them. »
It was then the goalkeepers’ turn to enter the pitch with a standing ovation for the returning Sergio Rico who recently returned to training. An even more important second was reserved for Keylor Navas who will leave the club at the end of the season.
Mbappé withdrawn against the ultras
After this heavy applause, the atmosphere would cool down somewhat. The ultras had also released copious whistles for Layvin Kurzawa and a few others for Carlos Soler then Fabian Ruiz. Past the midfielders and defenders, the attackers also made their entrance with a special ovation for Kylian Mbappé, to whom the club extended its thanks for his seven years at the club through Michel Montana. The star will not have encountered his president, although he is used to the podiums on party evenings but who has decided, this time, to stay in the background. Thus avoiding an awkward face-to-face with Mbappé.
When it came time to lift the trophy, it was not the captain of the French team who would be highlighted but… Michel Montana, the speaker. He received a final gift. Without doubt one of the finest of his career. As Marquinhos grabbed his hand, he was invited to raise the Hexagoal, surrounded by the Brazilian captain and Kylian Mbappé who took the microphone to give a cry of encouragement. On stage as the orchestra began a cover of Daft Punk, the entire staff joined the party.
Despite the habit and Tuesday’s elimination in the semi-final of the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund, the Parisians found a smile and enough energy to offer themselves a final lap of honor as the stands began to fill up. empty. In front of the Auteuil stand, at the foot of which the fifty trophies gleaned by the club had been installed, they stopped for a moment of communion. On the front line, Tenas, Navas, Marquinhos jumped when Mukiele launched an anti-Marseille chant. For his last face with the supporters, Mbappé remained in the background alongside Sergio Rico, Carlos Soler and two club stewards.
Kylian, Ethan Mbappé and their mother Fayza. PHOTO LE PARISIEN / ARNAUD JOURNOIS Arnaud Journois
Like every year, the players lingered on the pitch where their families soon joined them. Kylian Mbappé, all smiles, takes the time for a long posing session with Jamel Debbouze and his son Léon, the Mukiele family. With Ethan, also a champion, he joins his mother, Fayza, then his father Wilfried. A family photo to turn the page after seven years of exploits on the lawn of the Parc des Princes.
