Who are PSG's biggest rivals both locally and internationally?

Who are PSG's biggest rivals both locally and internationally?

Steve Njuguna
updated at November 8, 2023 at 10:37 AM

Paris St-Germain FC is one of France's biggest clubs and a prominent force in European football. As of the 2022-23 season, the team has been in the French top flight for 49 consecutive years. Today, we delve into all of PSG's rivals, both locally and internationally.

PSG Flag
PSG's flag unfurled before a Ligue 1 game against Clermont. Photo by Christophe Saidi/FEP/Icon Sport
Source: Getty Images

Founded in 1970, PSG has undergone a remarkable transformation into a footballing juggernaut. The club's ascent to prominence was further fueled by the Qatari Sports Investment group in 2011, propelling PSG into a new era of financial strength and global recognition. With an emphasis on international success, PSG has consistently featured in the UEFA Champions League, locking horns with Europe's elite and reaching the final in 2020.

Who are PSG's biggest rivals?

PSG's biggest rivals are fellow French powerhouses Marseille. The two teams play a derby named 'Le Classique'. Marseille's pinnacle came in 1993 when they clinched the UEFA Champions League, becoming the first and only French club to achieve this feat. The two are also neck to neck regarding Ligue 1 titles won, with PSG having won 11 and Marseille having won 10.

PSG vs Monaco

The rivalry between PSG and AS Monaco stems from a combination of regional pride and the shared ambition of claiming the French football throne. At the same time, PSG represents the capital city, and AS Monaco stands as a formidable force from the principality. Monaco also reached the UCL final in 2003 and has won eight titles.

PSG vs Lyon

Another key rivalry is that of Lyon and PSG. Lyon had a great run between 2001 and 2009, where they dominated Ligue 1, winning eight straight titles. They also rival PSG's 12 titles, being tied second with ten titles. Both teams also have voracious sets of fans who are known for their passion and aggressiveness.

Who are PSG’s rivals in Europe?

Several teams have been PSG's rivals on the continental stage :

1. Barcelona

One of PSG's most notable international rivals in recent years has been FC Barcelona. The two clubs have clashed in multiple high-stakes encounters, with memorable moments etched into football lore. Notably, PSG's historic 6-1 defeat to Barcelona in 2017 after a 4-0 first-leg lead remains one of the most dramatic in UEFA Champions League history. The two teams also met in the UEFA Cup Winners Cup in the 1996-1997 season. Barcelona beat PSG in the semi-finals with a 3-2 aggregate score, advancing to the final.

Sergi Roberto
Sergi Roberto scored the 6th goal for Barcelona in their 2017 comeback against PSG as teammate Luis Suarez watches on. Photo by Laurence Griffith
Source: Getty Images

2. Real Madrid

Real Madrid, with its storied history and numerous UEFA Champions League titles, stands as another formidable adversary for PSG. The teams have met eight times, with Madrid winning four times and PSG winning twice. The two teams have drawn twice.

3. Bayern

The battles against German giants Bayern Munich have added another layer of complexity to PSG's UEFA Champions League journey. The biggest moment these two teams have shared is the 2020 UEFA Champions League final. Bayern won the game by a 1-0 margin to deny PSG their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.

Neymar
Former PSG forward Neymar cries after losing the 2020 UCL final to Bayern. Photo by Michael Regan / UEFA / Handout/Anadolu Agency
Source: Getty Images

What is PSG's biggest win?

PSG's biggest win of all time was in the Coupe De France during the 1993/1994 season. They beat Côte Chaude Sportif by a 10-0 margin to proceed from the Round of 64. The team eventually got to the final of the French Cup that season, losing 3-0 to Auxerre.

The final word

Like every big team in Europe, PSG has its fair share of rivals, both locally and internationally. As the club continues its odyssey on the international stage, football enthusiasts can anticipate more thrilling encounters and defining moments that will shape PSG's legacy in the annals of European football.

READ MORE: FA Cup vs Carabao Cup: Which is the more important competition and why?

Sports Brief recently detailed the differences between the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup. Both cups are played concurrently with the domestic league campaigns. Click the link above to find out more!

Authors
Steve Njuguna photo
Steve Njuguna
Steve Njuguna is a media professional with close to a decade of experience in the sports media industry. He has previously worked as a sports journalist with Bamba Sports TV, Vybez Radio and The Nairobian newspaper.