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PSG's struggles came to an end after the Qatari takeover took place in 2011. The Ligue 1 giants struggled to win trophies in early 2000s but their fortunes have changed drastically after an influx of financial might since the takeover.
With newfound financial power at their helm, PSG have attracted some mega stars. Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are the two record transfers in football history with transfer fees of €222 million and €180 million respectively.
World-class footballers in almost every position have helped PSG dominate the French top flight since then. They have won Ligue 1 almost every season barring a few shocking upsets. They also have been a top contender for UEFA Champions League in the last few seasons.
PSG have recently signed the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos on free transfers and boast one of the best squads in Europe right now.
Due to the presence of great footballers over the years, PSG have also witnessed some of the great set-piece takers of the modern era play for their club. On that note, let us take a look at
5 best set-piece takers for PSG in the 21st century
#5 Jay-Jay Okocha
Widely considered one of the greatest African players, Jay-Jay Okocha was a player to watch out for at his peak. Operating as an attacking midfielder, the African maestro was immensely skillful. He used to dribble past defenders using his bag full of tricks and also created goals for his teammates with his creative flair.
Okocha was not just a skillful dribbler but he was also magnificent at set-pieces. He was a long-throw specialist and a dangerous free-kick taker in the early 2000s, known for causing trouble from dead ball situations.
The midfielder had a unique ability to find the net from absurd angles, resulting in some breathtaking set-piece moments.
During his four-year tenure with the Parisians, Okocha scored 20 goals and provided nine assists. He was also a mentor for young Ronaldinho, who learned a lot from the African.
#4 Angel Di Maria
PSG midfielder Angel Di Maria certainly possesses one of the most dangerous left feet in the French top flight. The Argentine has always been clinical in his set-pieces which makes it hard for defenders to judge his venomous crosses into the box.
Di Maria has been instrumental in PSG's success since he arrived in the French capital. After a forgettable season at Manchester United, the Argentine has justified his reputation through his exploits for Les Parisiens. Due to his exceptional prowess on the ball, he has been continuously effective with both set-pieces for his club and country.
Despite being a key piece of the PSG team, Di Maria has gone down in the hierarchy in recent times since the arrival of Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
#3 Ronaldinho
An artist in the truest sense, Ronaldinho spent his developing years at PSG. The Brazilian's early years in the French capital are underappreciated but he still wove his magic on the pitch.
Ronaldinho was a dead ball specialist, his free-kicks being on a different level than others. The Brazilian maestro was extremely unpredictable from set-pieces as he knew how to bend the ball either way. His curlers were something close to perfection, finding the net more often than not.
One of Ronaldinho's specialties was to hit free-kicks below the wall, leaving fans and rivals speechless. Even from less dangerous areas, the Brazilian's indirect free-kicks caused ample trouble to opponent's defense.
There are only a few who can match the brilliance of Ronaldinho when it comes to set-pieces. The smiling genius also showed his majestic talent during his time at PSG, scoring 25 goals and providing 17 assists in 77 appearances.
#2 Neymar
Neymar has racked up a whopping 88 goals and 54 assists so far for PSG. Despite being injury prone since his arrival in France, the Brazilian has been pivotal to Les Parisiens' rise in Europe.
Neymar's qualities are well known due to his exploits during his tenure at Barcelona. The 29-year-old shared his set-piece duties with Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp but has been the sole set-piece taker in Paris.
For PSG, Neymar has been immaculate with his free-kicks and corners. His crosses from corners and free-kicks remain effective and the player has scored some screamers from range.
There is little doubt about Neymar's ability from set-pieces, which has only increased with age and experience.
#1 Lionel Messi
When we talk about any offensive trait, it is hard not to keep Lionel Messi on the list. One of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi is in a league of his own when it comes to set-pieces. The Argentine magician remains one of the highest active free-kick scorers in world football.
Messi has gifted the audience with numerous brilliant free-kicks for Barcelona and Argentina over the years. With a left foot comparable to Diego Maradona's, Messi manages to hit free-kicks with perfect curl to beat goalkeepers. More often than not, the goalkeeper and the wall are helpless against Messi's free-kicks due to it's precision.
Messi joined PSG from Barcelona on a free transfer in the summer transfer window. While the move shocked many Barca faithful at the Nou Camp, PSG fans were delighted with his arrival. Messi is yet to score any free-kicks for PSG but he will surely get one in the near future.
