By Dr. Tawhid CHTIOUI, President and Founder of aivancity, the leading institution for AI and data
It is often said that artificial intelligence will eventually surpass us. That it analyzes better, makes decisions faster, and learns tirelessly. What if what we call “intelligence” is in fact just a fragment, and the essential part eludes the machines?
In a world captivated by algorithmic prowess, where performance is measured in terms of computational speed and predictive ability, an unexpected event serves as a reminder of what AI still cannot do. On May 31, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain made history by winning the Champions League for the first time. It was a resounding five-goal victory over Inter Milan—a match that the statistics predicted would be more evenly matched, but which turned into a one-sided rout on the field.
Since the publication of McKinsey’s report (2017) on the prospects for work automation, or that of the MIT-IBM Watson AI Lab (2023) on the future of human-machine complementarity, one thing has become clear: AI excels in certain well-defined cognitive functions, notably data analysis, pattern recognition, and algorithmic optimization. In other words, it is powerfulwhere analytical intelligence prevails, a concept that Robert Sternberg identifies as one of the three major forms of intelligence in his triarchic theory (1985). While analytical intelligence can be mobilized by machines, the others—emotional, collective, situational, and relational—remain profoundly human.
Luis Enrique’s success story at PSG is not merely an example of athletic achievement. It embodies a masterful orchestration of human skills that cannot be reduced to algorithms: the ability to feel and channel emotions under pressure, to build trust within a team, to adapt tactically to changing situations, to innovate on the field, and to intuitively understand others. It is this interplay of multiple intelligences, as defined by Howard Gardner in his seminal theory (1983), that has made excellence possible. And it is also what our society sometimes forgets, obsessed as it is with the increasing power of language and decision-making models.
In a world captivated by AI, perhaps it’s time to remember that human intelligence is neither unique nor universally replicable. Using PSG’s victory as a starting point, this article revisits five fundamental forms of intelligence, explaining why—and how—they remain our decisive advantage in the age of artificial intelligence.
1. Collective intelligence: when “we” goes beyond “I”
The first thing that strikes you about Luis Enrique’s PSG is how they have transformed a group of brilliant individuals into a coherent, cohesive, almost organic unit. In a sport where individual feats are often celebrated, this team has chosen a different path: that of collective intelligence. It’s not just a matter of playing together, but of thinking together, of anticipating each other’s intentions without speaking, of creating fluid movements in which each player blends into the shared rhythm. A form of emergent intelligence, which researchers like Pierre Lévy describe as the group’s ability to generate meaning and solve complex problems, beyond the sum of individual skills.
This PSG team has not been content to simply add talent. It has brought them together within a system where passing, movement, and defensive coverage all reflect a shared vision. We saw this against Manchester City, when collective pressing at the right moment disrupted the opposition’s possession game. Or in the final, when the interplay between midfielders and forwards created gaps invisible to the naked eye but perfectly anticipated by the players. None of this can be replicated by a machine. Because collective intelligence requires trust, real-time adaptation, and shared experience. It is based on human connections, not lines of code.
Another striking example of this collective intelligencewas Ousmane Dembélé’s performance in the final. Despite being the favorite to win the Ballon d’Or, Dembélé set aside his personal ambitions to devote himself entirely to the team. His relentless pressing and two assists were decisive factors in PSG’s victory, perfectly illustrating his commitment to the team.
2. Emotional intelligence: channeling emotions to transcend the collective
While collective intelligence weaves the fabric of the game, emotional intelligence is its invisible driving force. It enables players to navigate the turbulent waters of emotion, transform stress into constructive energy, and maintain mental clarity under pressure. Daniel Goleman, who popularized the concept, describes it as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as those of others, in order to guide thought and action.
Captain Marquinhos embodied this emotional intelligence. On the eve of the final against Inter Milan, he expressed his deep connection with the team, declaring: “ I’m in love with this team.” This statement reflects not only his attachment to the group, but also his ability to instill positive energy and collective confidence. During the match, his exemplary behavior served as an emotional beacon for his teammates. His calmness and determination helped the team stay focused, even in tense moments. After the victory, Marquinhos spared a thought for his former teammates who had failed to win the Champions League, declaring: “ I think of all the players who have played here and who have not succeeded.” This gesture of humility and recognition underscores his ability to manage his emotions while honoring the club’s collective history.
Unlike artificial intelligence, which can analyze data and predict behavior, emotional intelligence is rooted in lived experience, human interaction, and deep self-awareness. It cannot be programmed; it must be cultivated. In a world where machines are becoming increasingly capable of analysis, emotional intelligence remains an irreplaceable human skill, essential to both individual and collective performance.
3. Situational intelligence: adapting to dominate
Situational intelligence is the ability to perceive the dynamics of a constantly changing environment and adapt one’s behavior accordingly. In the context of soccer, this manifests itself in a team’s ability to adjust its strategy based on the circumstances of the match, the strengths and weaknesses of its opponent, and unforeseen events on the field.
In the final, PSG demonstrated remarkable situational awareness. The Parisians were able to vary their approach, alternating between high-pressure phases and patient possession play, exploiting the spaces left open by their opponents. This adaptability was made possible by a keen understanding of the game and constant communication among the players, allowing for tactical adjustments to be made in real time.
A striking example of this situational intelligence is the performance of Désiré Doué, a 19-year-old attacking midfielder. A surprise starter, he quickly adapted to the demands of the match, exploiting space and adjusting his positioning in response to his opponents’ movements. His ability to read the game and make informed decisions in real time was decisive in PSG’s dominance of the final.
This ability to adapt—the result of collective experience and an intuitive understanding of the game—is difficult for artificial intelligence to replicate. It relies on sensory perceptions, emotions, and situational awareness that machines cannot reproduce. As a result, situational intelligence remains an essential human skill, particularly in complex and unpredictable environments such as elite sports.
4. Creative intelligence: innovate to surprise
Creative intelligence is the ability to generate new ideas, break out of established patterns, and come up with new solutions. In soccer, it manifests itself in innovative strategies, unexpected combinations, and tactical adjustments that throw opponents off balance.
Coach Luis Enrique demonstrated remarkable tactical ingenuity in the final. Faced with an Inter Milan team known for its defensive solidity, he devised a bold game plan that showcased his players’ versatility and exploited his opponents’ weaknesses. This approach allowed PSG to dominate the match from start to finish.
A striking example of this tactical creativity was the useof Achraf Hakimi in a hybrid role, shifting between his duties as a right back and more central runs. This flexibility threw Inter’s defense off balance, creating spaces that were exploited by the attacking midfielders.
This ability to innovate—to come up with original solutions on the fly—is difficult to replicate with artificial intelligence. It relies on intuition, experience, and a deep understanding of the game. So creative intelligence remains an essential human skill, particularly in competitive environments where innovation makes all the difference.
5. Relational intelligence: building connections to strengthen unity
Relational intelligence is the ability to build authentic relationships, understand interpersonal dynamics, and create an environment that fosters collaboration. In the context of soccer, this is reflected in a club’s ability to unite all its members, foster a culture of trust, and value each individual within the team.
During the final, Paris Saint-Germain demonstrated remarkable relational intelligence. Beyond its performance on the field, the club was able to rally all its members around a common goal. A striking example of this relational intelligence is the club’s initiative to invite all its employees to attend the final in Munich. This initiative underscores PSG’s determination to strengthen the bonds between all parts of the club, from players to staff and administrative personnel.
This cohesion was also evident on the field. Substitutes such as Senny Mayulu, who came on late in the game, fit right in and contributed to the team’s success by scoring the fifth goal of the match. This performance speaks to the strength of the bonds formed among the players, fostering a team dynamic in which everyone feels valued and ready to give their all.
This ability to form genuine connections, understand individual needs, and foster a harmonious work environment is difficult to replicate with artificial intelligence. It relieson empathy,active listening, and a deep understanding of human relationships. Thus, relational intelligence remains an essential human skill, particularly in environments where collaboration and trust are paramount.
What if the real challenge wasn’t AI, but our own failure to recognize our own intelligence?
With all the talk of artificial intelligence overtaking us, we end up forgetting to nurture the qualities that make us truly human. Soccer, a sport of instinct and flair, reminds us that human genius cannot be reduced to mere calculations. That excellence does not stem from an algorithm, but from the interaction between people capableof intuition,improvisation, and trust.
PSG 2025 is living proof of this. This team succeeded not because of data or a rigid tactical plan, but because it was able to harness a full range of deeply human forms of intelligence. They thought as one, felt as one, adapted in real time, innovated, and communicated. What machines sometimes replicate mechanically, these players embodied in the warmth of reality—through their skin, their expressions, their silence, and their gestures.
In a world obsessed with technical performance, this sporting victory tells us something else: the future lies not in the rivalry between humans and machines, but in our ability to harness what AI lacks—and always will.
Reinventing school before it’s too late
The real challenge is not to teach children to code before they turn ten, but to prepare them for everything that machines won’t be able to do. Learning to cooperate without ego, to listen without judging, to feel without losing oneself. Knowing how to read a situation, come up with a solution, and make sense of ambiguity. Cultivating nuance, attentiveness, and doubt. These are the vital skills of the 21st century.
And yet, our education systems continue to prioritize rote learning, linear thinking, and cutthroat competition. As if tomorrow’s world could be mastered using yesterday’s methods. It’s time to reinvent school as a playground for multiple intelligences—a school that doesn’t just produce high achievers, but fosters flexible, critical, and creative minds capable of living and thriving in an uncertain world.
PSG’s victory should not be confined to the club’s trophy cases. It should resonate in classrooms, government agencies, and training programs. It is an invitation to rethink what it means to learn—to recognize that human intelligence, in all its diversity, is not merely another resource. It is the source.
References
- Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York, NY: Basic Books.
- Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Beyond IQ: A Triarchic Theory of Human Intelligence. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York, NY: Bantam Books.
- Lévy, P. (1994). Collective Intelligence: Toward an Anthropology of Cyberspace. Paris, France: La Découverte.
- Morin, E. (1999). The Seven Complex Lessons in Education for the Future. Paris, France: Seuil.
