They didn’t make the trip for nothing. from Tokyo to Osaka, Paris Saint-Germain have been full of confidence on and off the pitch. Received like rockstars in packed stadiums, the Parisians concluded their tour in style with a third success in as many matches, this Monday, against Gamba Osaka, with a river score (6-2).
The stars at the rendezvous, revelations and confirmations
From a sporting point of view, the stars were particularly watched, as Neymar, whose future at the club is still uncertain. The Brazilian, sharp, in legs, made a more than honorable tour, with well-felt passes and a double against Osaka to conclude his road trip in the land of the rising sun. Leo Messi’s seven-time Ballon d’Or was also in good shape, with a goal scored in the first game against Kawasaki Frontale (2-0) and another against Osaka.
Kylian Mbappe, true to form, entertained the audience with a magnificent goal scored in the second friendly match against Urawa Red Diamonds (3-0). On the bench in the last two matches, he also shook the net from the penalty spot against Osaka. But the confirmation of this tour is another striker: Arnaud Kalimuendo. Back from loan from RC Lens, the “titi” scored two achievements during this tour and especially that he had the stuff to integrate the rotation this season. It remains to be seen if PSG will sacrifice him on the transfer market, the center-forward enjoying a very good rating. Pablo Sarabia, author of two goals, also scored points.
Finally, a revelation the young Warren Zaire-Emery. At only 16 years old, the player who has just signed his first professional contract with the capital club has benefited from many minutes of play, which he has been able to take advantage of.
Full stadiums, a successful marketing tour
Off the pitch, Paris Saint-Germain has also successful seduction operation. It’s very simple, PSG has attracted crowds on each of its trips. Whether for matches or even training open to the public. During the last session, more than 20,000 Japanese fans gathered in the Osaka stadium to see the Parisian stars warming up.
In the end, this tour will have generated, according to our colleagues from The Team, more than 10 million euros in revenue, perhaps waiting in the medium term for new partnerships with Japanese brands. Paris Saint-Germain, back this week at Camp des Loges, will then leave in Tel Aviv, Israel to compete in the Champions Trophy on July 31, against FC Nantes, first official match of this 2022-2023 season. A meeting without Kylian Mbappé, suspended.