Paris (AFP)

From pioneer Pastore to Roc Ramos via King Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain version QSI has recruited a multitude of stars, in its quest for the Champions League.

- Pastore, the pioneer -

Forever the first. Landed in the summer of 2011 for 43 million euros, a record sum at the time in Ligue 1, Javier Pastore is the first figurehead of the Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) project. The 22-year-old ambidextrous Argentinian leader, presented on his arrival as a future world star, quickly shows the extent of his talent. The first player to thrill the Parc des Princes since Ronaldinho thanks to his unpredictable technical gestures, from the sombrero to the small bridge that he masters to perfection, El Flaco (The lean) quickly made his place in the hearts of Parisian supporters, to failure to be indisputable on the ground. Sometimes capable of the best, often the worst, Pastore, plugged into alternating current,was an attractive player whose sparks were nevertheless insufficient to make Paris shine in C1.

- Zlatan, king of Paris, emperor of L1 -

Self-proclaimed legend of Paris when he left in the summer of 2016, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was as spectacular on terrain as he was unpredictable at a press conference.

Never stingy with shattering declarations and sensational technical gestures, the Swedish giant will have left no one indifferent during his visit (2012-2016).

By snatching him away from AC Milan, PSG not only offers themselves a world-class striker, but also a brand, a media showcase for the L1.

However, this goal machine (156 in 180 matches) which put Ligue 1 at its feet has failed to conquer Europe.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic during his official presentation as a PSG player, July 18, 2012 in front of the Eiffel Tower BERTRAND GUAY AFP / Archives

- Beckham, the multinational -

If "Ibra" has given the Rouge et Noir a sporting milestone, David Beckham's mission is quite different. Arriving at PSG in January 2013 for a six-month freelance, the 38-year-old Englishman must bring the capital club into another dimension. With the Englishman, global advertising icon, PSG offers itself an enormous power of attraction, both economically and sporting. Its presence consolidates the image of PSG internationally, helps it conquer the Asian and American markets, especially for television rights and helps attract other major players. A "win-win" communication operation with a pre-retired player who has become an unofficial ambassador of the QSI project and of this new "PSG brand".

David Beckham at a press conference for his official presentation to the press at Parc des Princes, January 31, 2013 THOMAS SAMSON AFP / Archives

- Neymar / Mbappé, a dream summer -

An extraordinary summer of 2017, with more than 400 million euros spent on two players.

The price to pay to snatch Neymar (222 M) from FC Barcelona and afford Mbappé (180 M), announced as the future boss of French football after a brilliant season in Monaco.

The two attacking accomplices, promised in the short or medium term to the Golden Ball, quickly become accomplices in the field.

Led by its fiery duo, Paris has definitively settled in the European gratin and has touched its dream, with the climax of this 2019-2020 C1 campaign, concluded with a 1-0 defeat in the final against the Bayern.

Lionel BONAVENTURE AFP / Archives

- Ramos, the rage to win -

To solidify the defensive edifice of PSG, often in difficulty during high-stakes matches, who better than a rock with an extraordinary track record, including four C1 titles?

With Sergio Ramos, pushed towards the exit to Real Madrid, Paris offers itself a crucial experience in the choppy matches.

Problem, the rough 35-year-old Spanish central defender has not yet played a single minute with PSG, the fault of a left calf injury.

If the Parisian club has offered itself a player with a global aura, his body will have to leave him alone.

© 2021 AFP