In the vibrant tapestry of French football, where the titans of Paris Saint-Germain typically cast long shadows over every accolade, a recent revelation from the esteemed L`Equipe newspaper has sparked considerable discussion. Following a weekend of intense Ligue 1 action, the much-anticipated `Team of the Week` for Matchday 6 of the 2025-2026 season was unveiled, and to the surprise of some – though perhaps not all – the glittering roster of PSG was conspicuously absent.
The Win That Wasn`t Quite `Brilliant`
Despite securing a comfortable 2-0 victory against Auxerre at the Parc des Princes, a result that would normally warrant at least one representative in such an honorary lineup, L`Equipe`s panel found no Parisian worthy of a spot. This isn`t merely an oversight; it`s a profound statement, reflecting the unique and often critical lens through which PSG`s performances are perpetually viewed.
The original analysis from the French sports daily subtly pointed out that PSG`s win, while effective in securing three points, wasn`t exactly `brilliant.` This single adjective unpacks a significant truth: for a team blessed with a galaxy of world-class talent and backed by substantial resources, the expectation isn`t merely three points; it`s a consistent demonstration of dominance, flair, and individual brilliance that transcends the ordinary. Simply put, winning without dazzling is, for PSG, often considered merely a baseline requirement, not a reason for individual celebration or commendation.
The Case of Ilya Zabarnyi: A Goal Not Quite Enough
Consider the particular case of 23-year-old defender Ilya Zabarnyi. The report highlighted his solid defensive performance and, notably, that he was also a scorer in the match. Logic would suggest such a contribution from a defender would make him a prime candidate for recognition. Yet, even his commendable efforts weren`t enough to pierce the collective skepticism surrounding PSG`s overall display. It seems that for a PSG player to stand out, their performance must not just be good, but unequivocally exceptional, an unmissable highlight amidst a team expected to deliver spectacles as a matter of routine. It`s almost as if a player from any other club scoring and defending robustly earns a gold star, while a PSG player doing the same merely prevents a red mark.
The Burden of Excellence: A Perpetual High Bar
This perpetually high bar, while perhaps frustrating for players and fans, is a peculiar byproduct of consistent domestic success and immense financial might. When you are the undisputed heavyweight of a league, your `good` is often benchmarked against someone else`s `excellent,` and only your `extraordinary` truly merits distinction. One might even suggest that for PSG, a win without individual commendation is akin to a silently passed exam – you achieved the required grade, but didn`t necessarily impress the professor with your ingenuity or flair. The expectation is not just to win, but to win beautifully, overwhelmingly, and with individual moments that scream `talent` rather than merely `competence`.
Beyond the Parc des Princes: Where Accolades Reside
The absence of PSG players from L`Equipe`s Team of the Week underscores a broader narrative: while the Parisian giants continue their seemingly inevitable march towards domestic supremacy, the individual plaudits often go to players from other teams who `over-perform` or deliver truly transcendent individual moments against tougher odds. It’s a subtle nod to the competitive spirit across the league, acknowledging that compelling narratives and standout displays are not exclusive to the Parc des Princes. It signals that genuine individual brilliance, perhaps more easily perceived when not surrounded by other superstars, finds its due recognition elsewhere.
Conclusion: Winning Isn`t Always Everything (for individual glory)
Ultimately, L`Equipe`s `Team of the Week` serves not just as a weekly highlight reel, but as a fascinating barometer of performance and, more importantly, expectation within Ligue 1. For Paris Saint-Germain, Matchday 6 was a stark reminder that while victories are essential for league aspirations, earning universal acclaim and individual accolades requires a level of consistent, undeniable brilliance that even a 2-0 win might not always provide. In the demanding arena of French football, it appears even the champions must constantly prove their individual sparkle, or face the quiet ignominy of being merely `good enough` to win, but not `good enough` to be celebrated.
