When Paris Saint-Germain face Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinal on Wednesday, in New Jersey, the stakes will extend far beyond a place in the final. While the tournament title is the immediate goal, Luis Enrique’s team stands on the brink of soccer history, with several long-standing records within touching distance. Their 2024-25 campaign, already drenched in silverware, could become immortal — not just for what they win, but for how they win it.
Few teams in modern soccer have matched the kind of dominance PSG has shown this season. The Parisian giants have already claimed four trophies, including their first UEFA Champions League title, and are now two victories away from lifting the Club World Cup. But behind the silver lies something potentially even more remarkable: a chance to rewrite the club’s record books.
At the heart of their historic run is a fearsome attack. PSG has netted 164 goals in 63 matches, and is now just seven goals shy of its all-time seasonal scoring record of 171, set in the 2017-18 season under Unai Emery. Interestingly, Kylian Mbappe scored 21 of them. They’ve reached this point with a mix of efficiency and flair, including back-to-back 4-0 wins over Atletico Madrid and Inter Miami, and a composed 2-0 triumph over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinal.
Their current goal tally is all the more impressive given the competition: these have come against domestic and continental heavyweights. If they continue their scoring spree — and history suggests they will — the Red-and-Blues could break their goal record in the most prestigious setting of all.
Closing in on the win record
Goals aren’t the only thing PSG is chasing. With their victory over Bayern, Les Parisiens notched their 47th win of the season, matching their best-ever total under Laurent Blanc in the 2015-16 campaign. A win over Real Madrid would push them to 48 wins, a new club record — and they could finish the tournament with a mind-blowing 49 victories if they go all the way.
The drive for perfection is no accident. Under Luis Enrique, the French side has found a balance between technical brilliance and physical control. As Bradley Barcola said after the win against Bayern: “We have a coach who understands us and gives us time to rest. That helps us stay fresh for every match.”
That freshness, coupled with tactical discipline, has made PSG nearly untouchable. It also gives them hope against the likes of Real Madrid, who have been unbeaten since the start of the tournament.
Star power and goals galore
Ousmane Dembele has been the standout figure in attack, already netting 34 goals this season — a personal best. He scored again in the quarterfinals, while players like Kolo Muani, Zaïre-Emery, and Barcola continue to contribute across all competitions.
The Parisians’ dozen goals at the Club World Cup also put them just behind the eliminated Manchester City and Bayern Munich (who each scored 16) in the tournament scoring charts. Should they advance to the final and find their rhythm, they could yet finish as the top scorers in the tournament — and possibly with the best defensive record, having conceded just one goal in five matches.
