From Fan Tokens to Hacking Paris: How PSG became Champions of Europe and Web3

The newly crowned European Champions were the first team to partner with Fan Token creators Chiliz. More recently they became the first sports team validator, joining the set on Chiliz Chain. This summer their iconic Parc des Princes stadium will provide the setting for Hacking Paris – a $150K Chiliz Chain Hackathon (July 11th – 13th).

When Paris Saint Germain won their first Champions League title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan, the club confirmed its position as European football’s current leaders. The good news for blockchain is that the Parisiens are also leading the way in Web3.

An innovative style of play was key to PSG’s Champions League success, but they have also been innovative off the pitch, launching a series of blockchain powered initiatives.

At the heart of the club’s forward thinking approach has been a productive partnership with Fan Token creators Chiliz.

The French club were the first major team to officially partner with Chiliz in 2018, before launching their $PSG Fan Token in 2020, which has provided countless rewards and opportunities for fans, and since been listed on multiple tier one exchanges.

$PSG Fan Tokens were even famously included as part of the welcome package that brought Lionel Messi to the club in the summer of 2021 – the first time a crypto asset had been used in such an agreement.

More recently the club deepened its connection with Chiliz – becoming the first sports team in the world to become a layer-1 validator, joining the set on Chiliz Chain, as we reported in February 2024.

The importance of being first

Paris Saint Germain raised the bar with their performances this season, but they have consistently been at the forefront of Web3 sports innovation in recent years, with other initiatives including the launch of Concorde –  a free to claim digital pass that rewards loyalty by enabling the club’s global fanbase to collect rare digital drops and digital collectibles ( some of these collectibles will be minted on Chiliz Chain).

It’s an approach that’s aligned with the club’s ‘be first DNA’, as Par Helgosson, Head of PSG Labs, stated during Paris Blockchain Week in 2024.

“PSG like to be first, it’s part of our DNA. Innovation is really part of our game and we want to work with partners who are innovating with us, as we know that we can’t do everything internally.

“Web3 is built on everything we do, it’s not a separate thing. In order to be on time you have got to be early. You have to learn, you have to experiment.”

Head of PSG Labs Par Helgosson (far right) alongside Chiliz CEO Alexandre Dreyfus (centre) at Paris Blockchain Week 2025.

Setting the right example

While other sports teams have embraced Web3 to differing degrees, PSG have remained steadfast and consistent in their approach, becoming immersed in the sector and actively exploring new opportunities to leverage blockchain tech to benefit the club and its fans. 

And, this summer, the club will open its doors, literally, to more blockchain innovation, as developers from around the world descend on Parc des Princes for Hacking Paris – a $150K Chiliz Chain Hackathon.

Opening the door to innovation – Hacking Paris (11th  – 13th July)

Hacking Paris (11th – 13th July) will be the first major hackathon to be held at an elite football stadium. Another blockchain first for the French champions.

The Chiliz Chain hackathon will welcome developers to build new Fan Token utility, digital merchandise, stadium experience, decentralized governance, and fan engagement dApps.

Participation is free and both individuals and teams can participate, with a total prize pool of $150K available. You can find out more and register for this first-of-its-kind event here.