Paris Saint-Germain suffered a surprising early exit from the French Cup, as local rivals Paris FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the Round of 32. The unexpected upset unfolded on the night of January 12, marking a significant moment in the 2025-2026 French Cup campaign and an early departure for one of France’s most prestigious football clubs.
The decisive goal came from former PSG academy player Jonathan Ikone, whose clinical finish proved to be the difference-maker. Ikone’s performance against his former team was instrumental, propelling the newly-promoted top-flight side into the next stage of the competition.
For Paris Saint-Germain, this loss is particularly impactful. It represents a rare instance of the club being knocked out of the French Cup at the Round of 32 stage, a setback they have not experienced since the 2014 edition. Furthermore, the defeat at their home ground, Parc des Princes, against Paris FC, marked a significant and unexpected event, especially considering PSG’s formidable home record. Despite holding a record 16 French Cup titles, their quest for another trophy has now come to an abrupt end.
This victory is historic for Paris FC. It marks their first triumph over their more illustrious neighbors since their initial encounter in 1978. The club, which has only just returned to France’s top league for the 2025-2026 season after a 46-year absence, demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination to overcome the footballing giants.
The result is even more striking when considering the current league standings. Paris FC is currently battling in 15th position in the French top flight, having accumulated 16 points from 17 matches. In stark contrast, Paris Saint-Germain sits second in the league table with 39 points, trailing leaders Lens by just a single point. Historically, competitive matches between the two Parisian clubs have been infrequent, with only four meetings occurring between 1978 and this recent encounter. In their previous three clashes, PSG secured one win and two draws against Paris FC, making this recent victory for the underdogs all the more significant.
