In a powerful address at THE FORUM—an exclusive event hosted by Atlético de Madrid and Apollo Sports Capital at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano—Nasser Al-Khelaïfi delivered a compelling vision for the future of European football. Speaking before an audience of more than 400 industry leaders, the president of Paris Saint-Germain and the European Club Association made it clear that the time for division is over.
"We must put aside selfishness," Al-Khelaïfi told journalist Guillem Balagué during their on-stage conversation. "We all want what's best for football." His words carried the weight of experience, coming after years of tension between clubs, leagues, and governing bodies. The ecosystem, he argued, has emerged stronger and more united than before.
When the conversation turned to the revamped Champions League format, Al-Khelaïfi didn't hold back his enthusiasm. "It's a great success," he declared. "From the first match to the last, every game counts. It's the football the fans want." He pointed to the increased competitiveness, higher goal counts, and surging global interest as clear proof that the changes are working.
Perhaps the most resonant part of his message was a staunch defense of domestic leagues. "We don't want to see clubs separate from their national leagues. Leagues are essential," he emphasized, pushing back against any notion of a breakaway model. "If we put egos aside and think about the common good, there's room for everyone to win."
Al-Khelaïfi also highlighted the economic strength of the current system, noting that "93.5% of revenue goes back to the clubs—even those that don't participate in European competitions." He stressed the importance of continued global expansion: "We want to keep growing in markets like the United States and Asia. European football is becoming increasingly global."
On a personal note, the PSG president expressed pride in his club's trajectory. "Reaching the Champions League semi-finals with a young squad is something very special," he said, before praising the leadership team. "Bringing Luis Enrique and Luis Campos on board has been one of the best decisions. Their work goes far beyond just the results."
For fans and industry insiders alike, Al-Khelaïfi's message was clear: football's future depends on collaboration, not confrontation. And with the right mindset, there's room for everyone to win.