Paris Saint-Germain delivered a performance for the ages as they claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich. On an emotional night, manager Luis Enrique shed tears of joy as his side dismantled their Italian opponents and finally brought European glory to the City of Light.
The night belonged not just to PSG, but to a new generation of talent led by 19-year-old sensation Desire Doue, who stole the show with two goals and an assist, writing his name into the annals of Champions League history. As fans celebrated the club’s historic achievement, the night carried deep personal significance for Luis Enrique, who shared a powerful tribute to his late daughter Xana, who tragically passed away in 2019 from bone cancer at just nine years old.
In a poignant moment, PSG’s Ultras unveiled a giant flag depicting Enrique and Xana planting a PSG flag, echoing a memory from Barcelona’s 2015 final. After the match, Enrique wore a shirt featuring a cartoon version of the same tribute, saying, “It was emotional at the end with the banner from the fans for my family. I always think about my daughter.”
PSG’s Coming of Age
Doue’s masterclass in Munich confirmed his rise to superstardom. Having struggled earlier in the campaign, the young Frenchman was electric against Inter—providing the assist for Achraf Hakimi’s opener in the 12th minute and scoring twice before being substituted to a standing ovation. At just 19 years and 362 days old, he became the youngest player to score twice in a European Cup or Champions League final, breaking Eusebio’s record from 1962.
He’s now only the third teenager to score in a Champions League final, joining legends Patrick Kluivert and Carlos Alberto.
But Doue was just one piece of a flawless PSG performance. From start to finish, the Ligue 1 champions imposed themselves with precision, flair, and fearlessness. They didn’t just win—they dismantled Inter, the oldest squad in the tournament, while PSG fielded the youngest.
Goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and 19-year-old substitute Senny Mayulu rounded off the 5-0 thrashing, marking the biggest margin of victory in a European Cup/Champions League final.
Revolution, Not Evolution
This PSG triumph wasn’t just about winning—it was about transformation. The club’s new era has broken free from the superstar-heavy, high-profile approach of the past. With Kylian Mbappe gone to Real Madrid in search of European success, PSG proved that a cohesive, youthful squad under the right leadership is the real key.
Luis Enrique, now only the sixth manager to win the Champions League with two different clubs (Barcelona in 2015 and PSG in 2025), was central to this reinvention. Backed by club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and advisor Luis Campos, Enrique moved away from the “bling-bling” days of Neymar, Mbappe, and Messi, instead focusing on building a sustainable, hard-working, high-potential squad.
Al-Khelaifi said:
“This is the best season ever. We are proud. This win is for France, not just Paris. We have been criticised a lot, but we stayed focused on the vision. This wasn’t even the year we expected to win—but we proved we have the best coach, best team, and amazing fans.”
Dominance on Display
From defeating Manchester City to knocking out Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Arsenal en route to the final, PSG showed their evolution was no fluke. Their play was fast, fluid, and fearsome—highlighted by a relentless pressing system and crisp attacking transitions. Inter Milan, for all their experience, were left dazed.
Former footballer Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live:
“Luis Enrique was the missing piece. This PSG team is just beginning. The energy, the work ethic—they were magnificent.”
Ex-defender Nedum Onuoha echoed the sentiment:
“It’s the best performance I’ve ever seen in a Champions League final—or any final.”
A New Era Begins
With youth stars like Doue, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Mayulu, and others leading the charge, PSG’s future is as bright as their present. Their Champions League journey ended in fireworks—but it might just be the spark that ignites a dynasty.
And while Desire Doue lifted the trophy with a smile, the echoes of a father’s tribute to his daughter, and a city’s long wait for glory, gave the night a sense of deeper meaning. PSG didn’t just win a title—they won the hearts of football fans across the world.
