As a six-part documentary on his legendary career prepares to air on Canal+, football icon Michel Platini has shared his unfiltered views on football’s evolution in an exclusive interview with L’Équipe Magazine. At 71, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner (1983, 1984, 1985) reflects on his storied past while offering a surprisingly critical perspective on today’s game.

Platini’s remarks particularly target the recent PSG-Bayern Munich Champions League semi-final first leg (5-4), which many hailed as the “match of the century.” The French legend expressed his reservations, stating: “Seeing teams concede nine goals and calling it the match of the century? That’s show business, not football. A perfectly timed defensive move or a breathtaking save is as beautiful as a goal scored. Right now, everyone’s an expert—two billion people have opinions. I’m just one voice among them, and I might not always be right.”

Defending football’s purity

The former UEFA president lamented the current state of defensive play, arguing that modern football has prioritized spectacle over substance. His comments came as he compared the thrilling 5-4 encounter with the more balanced 1-1 return leg, which he considered more representative of true footballing values.

Football’s changing face

Platini’s critique extends beyond the Champions League showdown. He questioned whether today’s players and tactical approaches truly honor football’s heritage. “Great defenders of my era were measured in their interventions. Today, mistakes are magnified and celebrated as entertainment,” he argued. His words carry particular weight as football continues to grapple with its identity between tradition and modernization.

The football legend concluded by acknowledging the sport’s global appeal while urging a return to fundamentals: “Football belongs to everyone, but its soul shouldn’t be lost in the process.”