A Love Letter to the People of Paris
On the ground with the community of Paris Saint-Germain. Featuring conversations with some of the club’s most devoted fans.
Paris Saint-Germain is more than just a football team. Home to some of the world’s most gifted players—from Argentinian marvel Messi to Parisian golden boy Mbappé—and a devoted international fanbase, the club has come to represent a place of pride and belonging in not only the French capital, but around the world. GOAT’s partnership with PSG continues with 'People of Paris,' a campaign celebrating the athletes, fans and community of Paris.
Coinciding with the launch of the campaign at the Louvre, we speak to some of the club’s most dedicated supporters—all of whom feature in the campaign—about what makes PSG so special. Here, alongside a series of portraits shot at the historic Parc des Princes stadium, eight fans featured in ‘People of Paris’ share their personal stories of Paris Saint-Germain—from their all-time favorite matches to their hopes for the season ahead.
MAODO MALICK
53
Les Ulis
What’s your earliest memory of Paris Saint-Germain?
My first memory of Paris Saint-Germain was in the ’90s when Oumar Sène, a player from Senegal, became the team captain in the era of Francis Borelli, the former team president. Since then, I’ve stayed loyal to the club’s values. Many players over the years have moved me with their talents: Boubacar Sarr, Mustapha Dahleb, Luis Fernández, Jay-Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff, Pauleta, Verratti, Messi, Neymar, Mbappé and many many more.
What does sportsmanship mean to you?
It’s the feeling of belonging to a group; it's a family spirit because football is something that gathers people together and erases inequalities. When players come together on the pitch, they forget about belonging to a political party, race or religion, and become one team. That’s something only sport can do.
What’s your best memory as a supporter of PSG?
To reward my son [Lamine, who also stars in the campaign] for doing well in school, I purchased two tickets in at the Parc des Princes for a Champions League match. We were seated two rows from the French president and took a picture with him.
What does community mean to you?
A group of people that work in harmony and solidarity, just like the cosmopolitan image of the club and the Paris Saint-Germain Foundation.
LAMINE
21
Les Ulis
What’s your best memory as a supporter of Paris Saint-Germain?
My favorite memory was when my dad [Malick] brought me to a Champions League match at the Parc des Princes. I wasn’t very far from the French president and the president of Paris Saint-Germain. We took a picture with them at halftime.
How would you describe the spirit of PSG?
A magical club that instills values of solidarity.
What does it mean to be in a campaign with players from the club?
I feel lucky to participate in a campaign with my favorite club. I always watched matches with my dad and this means a lot to me.
What was your favorite piece you wore for the campaign?
The vintage jersey.
What does community mean to you?
Paris Saint-Germain is a community that embraces differences and cultivates peace and harmony.
KARTHOUM
20
Nanterre
What’s your best memory as a supporter of Paris Saint-Germain?
When I went to see the women's Paris Saint-Germain–Olympique Lyonnais match with my friends. The stadium was full and it was the first time I watched a women's PSG match at Parc des Princes. We lost, but the atmosphere was incredible until the end.
How would you describe the spirit of PSG?
Family with a capital “F.” At every match there is a surge of solidarity, and the passion for football and victory takes over.
What does it mean to be in this campaign?
It is a great honor and I’m proud to be able to wear the colors. It feels so good as a hijabi woman and a person of color that my passion for football is the focus here.
What does community mean to you?
A community is a group of people who share something. It can be an ideology, a passion, a common history or even a common state of mind. It’s about
sharing things and having common goals.
RUDDY
29
Maisons-Alfort
What’s your earliest memory of Paris Saint-Germain?
My first memories of Paris Saint-Germain are from when I was very young. All of my uncles and my family were fans so I didn’t have a choice—it was PSG for life from birth.
Who is your favorite player?
I have a lot of favorite players. For me it’s not about one player but the team. I really like the mindset of Kimpembe. I also like Mendes; he’s so young, fresh and ambitious. As for the legends, I love Pauleta as I’m half Portuguese. When Paris wasn’t at its best, Pauleta was there to score and give us some joy.
What does it mean to be in a campaign with players from the club?
I am proud to represent my club; it's an honor.
What are your hopes for the next season?
A really good relationship between fans and players. If we have this, we can do anything. We, the supporters, are Paris Saint-Germain.
What does community mean to you?
People that have nothing to do with each other but that have common interests or hobbies. Exactly like when you go to Parc des Princes and see supporters in the terraces. Many wouldn’t even notice each other in the streets, wouldn’t say “hello,” but in the stadium everyone shares the same mindset: see Paris Saint-Germain shine bright.
THANH
34
Paris
When did you become a Paris Saint-Germain supporter?
I didn't choose to be a Paris Saint-Germain supporter. I'm Parisian; that's just how it is! Joking aside, I have been a PSG supporter since I was very young, probably since the mid ’90s.
What was your favorite piece you wore for the campaign?
My favorite piece I wore for the campaign was the Raf Simons trench coat—I thought it was really original. I also loved the vintage PSG cap. I find vintage PSG pieces very cool.
What’s your best memory as a supporter of PSG?
There are so many good memories. A recent one that comes to mind is the Paris Saint-Germain–Real Madrid Champions League match at Parc des Princes on September 18, 2019. Paris Saint-Germain won 3-0. I was there and it was amazing to see all the top players and be part of that incredible atmosphere. I left with stars in my eyes.
ANNA
31
Paris
Who is your favorite Paris Saint-Germain player?
Neymar. He’s fresh.
What does it mean to be in a campaign with PSG?
Coming from the South of France, Paris is a city I dreamed about throughout my childhood and has pushed me to do better in so many domains. I’m so attached to Paris, and it is an honor to be associated with this magical city and its club.
What was your favorite piece you wore for the campaign?
The red football shirt worn as a mini dress.
What are your hopes for the next season?
To see the women's team shine and, of course, to see Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League.
What’s your best memory as a supporter of the club?
I’ve been a supporter of the club since 2017 and my favorite memory would be the recent decision from Mbappé–one of my favorite players–to stay with the club.
MAEVA
27
Paris
What was your favorite piece you wore for the campaign?
The hat or the scarf. Generally speaking, though, I liked the mix between vintage PSG items and high-fashion pieces.
When did you become a Paris Saint-Germain fan?
It happened with time, one match after another. Since I’m Parisian, it was always going to be Paris Saint-Germain.
How would you describe the spirit of PSG?
It’s a mix of worlds: Paris and its suburbs. But also: French fans and those from around the world. It’s a pride and a spirit that exports itself.
Where is your favorite place to watch a match?
Wherever, as long as I’m surrounded by friends—fans or not. It’s more about the moment than the place for me.
IBRAHIM
22
Alfortville
Who is your favorite Paris Saint-Germain player?
Right now, my favorite player is Neymar. Back in the day, when I was playing left-back, I really liked Maxwell.
Where is your favorite place to watch a match?
At home with my friends.
What’s your best memory as a supporter of PSG?
The club's third title win in 2013. It was the first French championship in 21 years. I was 13 years old at the time and it was the first Paris Saint-Germain coronation that I experienced as a fan. My older cousins brought me along to celebrate and the atmosphere was just crazy.
How would you describe the spirit of the club?
PSG is defined by solidarity. The club’s fans come from all walks of life and social backgrounds, but being part of the club that represents Paris gives everyone a strong sense of belonging.