Paris Saint-Germain really took flight with the arrival of fashion designer Daniel Hechter as chairman of the management committee in June 1973.[7][8] Besides offering his financial support to the club, he also designed the team's classic home outfit.[9][10] Hechter then shocked the national game ahead of 1973–74; he appointed French legend Just Fontaine as sporting director and signed several prestigious players, including Jean-Pierre Dogliani, Jean Deloffre, Louis Cardiet and Jacky Bade.[11][12]
Robert Vicot's men finished second in Group B, four points behind Red Star, qualifying for the promotion play–offs against Valenciennes. The winner of this double-legged match would be promoted to Division 1. PSG lost 1–2 away to Valenciennes, but PSG recorded an incredible 4–2 comeback at the Parc des Princes, thus achieving promotion and regaining its professional status abandoned two years earlier.[11][13] Overwhelmed by emotion, Fontaine collapsed on the lawn, victim of a heart attack. Fortunately, he recovered and was carried by the players in celebration.[13][14] Since then, PSG have always played in the top flight of French football.[13]
PSG played their first game at the Parc des Princes during this campaign. It was against fellow Parisian side Red Star on November 10, 1973. PSG won 3–1 and Othniel Dossevi scored the club's first goal at the stadium.[15] The Parisians also began their tradition of brilliant Coupe de France runs, reaching the quarterfinals after beating Metz at the Parc in front of 25,000 spectators (2–1; 4–1 on aggregate).[16] There, they were ousted by Reims on a 2–7 aggregate that included the club's largest cup defeat ever (0–5).[16][17]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Note: The Ligue de Football Professionnel voided the original result and handed a 3–0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain because of failure to align one under-21 player. Paris Saint-Germain had originally won the match 0–2 with goals from Armando Monteiro and Christian André.
