It was a fitting final scene, making one wonder if Kylian Mbappé’s slip was intentional. As Paris St.-Germain’s Champions League journey came to an end, the dream of European glory was once again shattered. Mbappé, the hometown hero representing P.S.G.’s ambition and excess, found himself in a crucial moment, only to stumble and miss his chance to be the hero. This moment symbolized his time at the club, filled with lavishness and flaws.
As Mbappé’s future with P.S.G. remains uncertain, his legacy may be defined by what he didn’t achieve rather than what he did. Despite his impressive goal-scoring record and numerous trophies, his time in Paris may be remembered for the club’s failure to win the Champions League, despite significant investments in star players like Neymar and Messi.
As P.S.G. shifts towards a new project focused on young French talent, the question remains: what was the point of Qatar’s massive investments in the club if they could not secure the ultimate prize? The club’s costly galáctico era has come to an end, leaving behind a legacy of unfulfilled potential and missed opportunities.
In contrast, veteran defender Mats Hummels has found joy in Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League success, taking playful jabs at their opponents and celebrating their journey to the final. While some may attribute Dortmund’s success to lucky draws, there is no denying the team’s inspiring run to the final. The impact of draws in knockout competitions cannot be overlooked, but Dortmund’s achievement is a testament to their skill and determination.