When "This is Paris" rings out, it's a declaration of territorial sovereignty. "This is Paris" asserts that the Parc des Princes is Parisian territory, where PSG's laws apply.
Chanted during moments of dominance, this Parisian chant, "PSG," marks territory against opponents. But how did this slogan become the emblem of the club's identity, and even that of an entire city? Discover the story of the most territorial chant in French football.
The origin: the Supras Auteuil registered the trademark
The expression "This is Paris" was created and registered by the Supras Auteuil , a historic ultra group from the Auteuil stand founded in 1991. They registered it as a trademark to protect this slogan that represents the identity of the supporters.
This legal protection aimed to prevent a third party from commercially appropriating a chant belonging to the supporters' culture. But the story took an unexpected turn when the club itself began commercializing it.
The conflict between supporters and club
In the 2010s, PSG began marketing the slogan "This is Paris" on merchandise. Former members of the Supras Auteuil, now organized in the Supporters' Rights Defense association, sued the club.
This conflict illustrates the tension between the popular culture of the fans and the modern commercialization of football. Can a chant originating in the stands be commercially appropriated by the club? The question remains a subject of debate.
Lyrics to "This is Paris"
Words :
This is Paris!
Go Paris!
This is Paris!
Go PSG!
Listen to "This is Paris"
This is Paris - PSG
The territorial dimension of the song
"Here" refers to the Parc des Princes, but also to Paris as a whole. It is an assertion of territorial sovereignty : we are at home, you are in enemy territory, our rules apply.
This territorial dimension transforms every home game into a defense of their territory. Opponents don't just come to play a match; they symbolically invade Paris. The fans defend their home turf.
A slogan beyond football
"This is Paris" has transcended football to become a general Parisian cultural marker . It can be heard in rap songs, at demonstrations, in contexts that have nothing to do with PSG.
This cultural diffusion testifies to the power of the slogan. It captured something essential about Parisian identity: pride, exceptionalism, the assertion of an accepted difference.
Psychological intimidation of opponents
When "This is Paris" rings out at the Parc des Princes, the psychological effect on visiting teams is considerable . The message is clear: you are not welcome, you are in hostile territory, you are going to lose.
This intimidation is part of the advantage of playing at home in Paris. Opposing players regularly attest to the psychological burden of playing at the Parc des Princes against fans chanting that they are at home.
The transmission of belonging
For a young supporter, chanting "This is Paris" means symbolically claiming ownership of the capital . It's not just "I live in Paris," it's "Paris belongs to me, I am its rightful owner."
This symbolic appropriation is crucial in the construction of identity. The child from the working-class neighborhoods can assert that Paris belongs to him as much as to the elites of the wealthy districts. The park becomes a place of symbolic equality.
A song of unabashed domination
"This is Paris" is fundamentally a song of domination . It doesn't humbly ask for victory; it demands it as a right. Paris dominates; it's in the natural order of things.
This unabashed arrogance characterizes modern Parisian football fandom. Faced with accusations of arrogance, Parisians don't justify themselves; they fully embrace their sense of superiority. "This is Paris" perfectly encapsulates this attitude.
The symbol of an era
"This is Paris" also symbolizes the QSI era that began in 2011. The Qatari ambition to make PSG a global club is embodied in this territorial slogan extended on a planetary scale.
The message becomes: wherever PSG plays, "this is Paris." The territory symbolically extends to the entire world. Paris no longer recognizes any borders to its footballing dominance.
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FAQ – This is Paris
Who created "This is Paris"?
The expression was created and registered as a trademark by the Supras Auteuil, a historic ultra group from the Auteuil stand founded in 1991. This legal protection aimed to prevent a third party from commercially appropriating a chant belonging to the culture of PSG supporters.
What conflict erupted over this slogan?
In the 2010s, PSG commercialized the slogan on merchandise. Former members of the Supras Auteuil supporters' group sued the club. This conflict illustrates the tension between the popular culture of the fans and the modern commercialization of football by clubs.
Why does this chant transcend football?
"This is Paris" has become a general Parisian cultural marker, used in rap songs, demonstrations, and contexts unrelated to PSG. This widespread use testifies to its power: it has captured Parisian identity in its pride, its exceptionalism, and its embraced difference.
What does this song symbolize?
It's an assertion of territorial sovereignty: we are at home, you are in enemy territory. He transforms every home game into a defense of the territory. The opponents don't just enter a stadium, they symbolically invade Paris. The supporters defend their land.