Paris St-Germain's star forward Kylian Mbappe will be leaving the club this summer and is widely expected to join Real Madrid. This marks the end of an era for PSG's pursuit of the coveted Champions League trophy, as the team has consistently fallen short in their attempts to claim European glory.

Mbappe's final Champions League appearance for PSG ended in disappointment as the Parisians were defeated by Borussia Dortmund in the semi-finals. In a moment symbolizing the team's struggles, Mbappe slipped in the closing seconds of injury time while attempting to chase a lost cause.

Former England defender Rio Ferdinand, who won the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008, noted the unusual subdued performance from Mbappe throughout the two-legged tie. Despite the star-studded lineup PSG assembled over the years, including Neymar and Lionel Messi, the club failed to secure a Champions League title.

Since Qatar Sports Investment took over PSG in 2011, the goal has been to conquer Europe, leading to extravagant spending on world-class players. However, the dream of lifting the Champions League trophy remained elusive. The team's success in domestic competitions, including Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups, has not compensated for their failure on the continental stage.

PSG's inability to excel in the Champions League is evident in their track record. Since 2017, they have only advanced beyond the last 16 round three times, reaching the final in 2020 and the semi-finals in subsequent seasons. Their recent defeat to Dortmund further highlights their struggles, as they failed to score against the Bundesliga side despite 44 attempts on goal - a record-high for shots without a goal in a two-legged tie since Opta records began.

The departure of Mbappe, along with the impending exits of Neymar and Lionel Messi, leaves PSG looking to rebuild their squad. While there have been glimpses of resilience and fighting spirit, such as their comeback against Barcelona in the quarter-finals, PSG's lack of quality and consistency in key moments continues to hinder their Champions League ambitions.

As PSG prepares for the future under the guidance of manager Luis Enrique, there are positive signs. The team's young starting XI in the semi-final against Dortmund reflects a plan for long-term success. However, the disappointment of their Champions League performances remains, urging PSG to reassess their strategy and make necessary changes in order to establish themselves among Europe's elite clubs.

In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe's departure from PSG symbolizes the end of an era filled with star power but marred by disappointment in the Champions League. PSG's failure to capture European success despite their considerable resources and acquisitions raises questions about the club's approach and the need for a fresh approach to achieve their ultimate goal.