Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed its first pre-season friendly will take place on August 5 in Majorca, according to a club statement released on Friday. The match, part of the Ligue 1 champions’ preparations for the 2023-24 season, marks the start of their pre-season schedule ahead of the new French league campaign. The exact opponent for the fixture remains unannounced, though local media in Spain suggest the club is considering a matchup against a La Liga side or a regional team.
Verified Details and Context
The date and location of the match were confirmed by PSG’s official communications team, aligning with the club’s historical trend of holding pre-season training camps in the Balearic Islands. Majorca, a popular destination for European football clubs, offers access to high-quality facilities and favorable weather conditions for early-season preparation. The match is expected to serve as a key test for new signings and a platform for head coach Christophe Galtier to assess team cohesion ahead of the August 13 league opener against Reims.
According to PSG’s 2023 pre-season calendar, the Majorca game will be followed by a match against Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on August 11, as part of a two-week training block in Spain. The club’s official website also notes that the schedule includes a week of training in the Canary Islands, with the final pre-season game set for August 19 against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent.
Key Players and Tactical Focus
While no official list of participating players has been released, sources close to the club indicate that top stars including Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Marco Verratti are expected to feature in the early stages of pre-season. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, who joined PSG in a £40 million deal from AS Roma in June, is also likely to be included in the squad to adapt to Galtier’s tactical system.
Galtier, who took over from Mauricio Pochettino in June, has emphasized a more structured approach to pre-season training, focusing on defensive organization and counterattacking efficiency. The coach has previously stated that the first friendly will prioritize “physical readiness and tactical discipline,” with an emphasis on integrating new signings into the team’s framework.
Unconfirmed Opponent and Fan Expectations
The identity of PSG’s opponent in Majorca remains unconfirmed, though Spanish media outlets such as Marca and Ideal have speculated that the club is in talks with SD Huesca, a Segunda División team based in Aragon. A spokesperson for PSG declined to comment on the potential matchup, stating that “details will be announced in the coming days.”
For fans, the match represents an opportunity to see the revamped squad in action ahead of the new season. The club’s pre-season schedule has drawn significant interest, with over 20,000 tickets sold for the Leipzig game, according to Ligue de Football Professionnel records. Local authorities in Majorca have also announced additional security measures to accommodate the expected influx of supporters.
Historical Precedents and Pre-Season Significance
PSG’s decision to start pre-season in Majorca follows a pattern seen in previous years, with the club using the location for training camps in 2019 and 2021. The island’s infrastructure, including the 12,000-capacity Son Malferit stadium, has been praised by players for its quality and accessibility. In 2021, the club’s pre-season games in Majorca included a 3-
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