In 2011, Paris Saint-Germain was far from the elite club it is today. Struggling on the pitch and in the boardroom, it stood as a sleeping giant—until Qatar Sports Investments quietly stepped in with a bold vision and deep pockets.
What seemed like a low-profile transaction at the time would spark one of the most dramatic transformations in European soccer. With Qatar’s entry, the club’s ambitions shifted overnight—from local dominance to continental glory.
This wasn’t just a purchase; it was the beginning of a global branding project backed by state wealth. The figures behind the deal may surprise, especially considering what came next: record signings, superstar power and a new era.
How much did it cost QSI to buy PSG?
Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) spent approximately €100 million to acquire Paris Saint-Germain, buying 70% of the club in 2011 for around €70 million and the remaining 30% in 2012 for about €30 million.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of PSG, celebrates with the UEFA Champions League trophy after his team’s victory, to secure Paris Saint-Germain’s first ever Champions League title. (Source: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
When QSI made its move to purchase, the club was far from the European superpower it is today. PSG was a team with a loyal fanbase and a storied past, but limited success on the field and financial struggles behind the scenes.
The first 70% was acquired in June 2011 from American investors Colony Capital and Butler Capital Partners. Several months later, in March 2012, QSI completed the buyout by purchasing the remaining 30% for an additional €30 million, according to The Guardian.
Nasser Al-Khelaifi, a key figure in Qatari sports diplomacy and a close associate of the emir of Qatar, was installed as club president shortly after and quickly became the public face of the new PSG era.
The significance of the purchase went far beyond numbers. Backed by Qatar’s sovereign wealth, QSI wasn’t just acquiring a soccer club—it was investing in a global soft power project. Since then, PSG has become one of the wealthiest and most recognizable sports brands in the world.
From record-breaking transfers to high-profile sponsorships and unprecedented global reach, the club’s trajectory has been meteoric. What started as a €100 million deal quietly signed behind closed doors would come to redefine European soccer itself.
