PSG Faces Challenges After Mbappé’s Departure: Fans and Sales Drop

The landscape at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has dramatically shifted following the departure of Kylian Mbappé. The 2018 World Cup champion left the French capital club to join Real Madrid this summer as a free agent. While coach Luis Enrique remains unfazed on the sporting front, the marketing team faces significant challenges, grappling with a decline in subscribers and merchandise sales since their superstar’s exit.

PSG’s Star Power Diminishes

Since the Qatari ownership took charge of PSG, the club has seen a parade of footballing luminaries. From Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Neymar, followed by Mbappé, and most recently Lionel Messi, the roster has been a showcase of talent. However, with no marquee players currently on the team, the club’s vitality is evidently affected.

Social Media Followers Drop by 10 Million

In a report by L’Equipe, it has been revealed that PSG has experienced a significant drop in its social media presence. Although the club recently celebrated reaching 10 million followers on its WhatsApp channel, it has reportedly lost as many as 10 million followers on Instagram. This decline is largely attributed to the exits of Mbappé, Messi, and Neymar, resulting in decreased engagement with their posts.

Decline in Merchandise Sales

The impact of Kylian Mbappé’s departure extends to merchandise sales as well. Currently, Kang-in Lee, due to his popularity in Asia, is the top seller of jerseys for PSG. However, the lack of a standout star has led to a noticeable downturn in overall merchandise sales. PSG remains a powerhouse brand in European football, alongside giants like Real Madrid and Manchester United. The pressing question now is whether the loss of these icons will further diminish PSG’s appeal both on social media and in retail outlets.