Former Newcastle United and Crystal Palace star and lands sporting director role at top European club

Former Newcastle United fan-favourite Yohan Cabaye has been named as the new sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy.

The 12-time Ligue 1 winners confirmed the appointment in a statement on the club website, which reads: “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the appointment of Yohan Cabaye as Sporting Director of the Youth and Pre-youth Academy. This decision follows an exemplary career with Paris Saint-Germain, marked by expertise and in-depth knowledge of the top level, and the Club's stated desire to make youth development one of its priorities.

“A former Paris Saint-Germain player, Yohan Cabaye returned to the club in 2021 as Sporting Coordinator, before becoming Deputy Sporting Director of the Youth Academy in 2023. With 48 caps for the French national team (2010-2016) and a wealth of honours to his name, including a number of titles won in the Rouge et Bleu colours, he is the perfect embodiment of the values of excellence and ambition promoted by the Club.”

In his role, Cabaye will be responsible for supporting young talents within the academy and maintaining close relationships with their family members. In recent seasons, Paris Saint-Germain’s philosophy has been increasingly centred around the development of young French talent and one their current objective as described by the website is to develop the exceptional talents of tomorrow.

On his appointment, the former Newcastle free kick specialist said: "I am honoured by this appointment and would like to thank the Club for its confidence. Along with the management team, I am determined to work to ensure that Paris Saint-Germain remains a world benchmark in terms of youth development. 

“Our aim is not just performance, but also the transmission of fundamental values and the development of young talent. From the moment they arrive, the youngsters understand that our Club is unique, with a rich history and a thirst for excellence. At the Youth and Pre-youth Academy, we teach them respect, to set an example and to surpass themselves, because that's where the future of the Club is built."

Cabaye started his career at Lille in 2004 and was a major catalyst for the club’s Ligue 1 title triumph in 2010/11 before joining Newcastle for a fee in the region of just £3.5m that summer. The Frenchman was one of Newcastle’s outstanding performers as they defied the odds to finish fifth in the Premier League under Alan Pardew while also reaching the quarter-final of the Europa League the following season.

Cabaye produced his best goal scoring form in his final season at Newcastle after scoring nine in his final 17 games but left St James’ Park to move to Paris Saint Germain in January 2014. The midfielder lifted two league titles and three cups in the French capital before spells at Crystal Palace, Al Nassr and Saint Etienne.

He was pictured in attendance during Newcastle’s 4-1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League at St James’ Park and also was in attendance for the 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture last term.