Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has finally etched its name into European football history, clinching their first-ever UEFA Champions League title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich. This landmark win not only fulfilled a long-standing ambition for the French club but also set a new record for the leargest margin of victory in a Champion League final.
A Star Is Born: Désiré Doué’s Historic Performance
At the heart of PSG’s triumph was the 19-year-old Désiré Doué, whose exceptional performance earned him the “Man of Match” award. Doué contributed two goals and an assist, becoming the first player in Champions League history to be directly involved in three goals during a final. His first goal made him only the third teenager to score in a Champions League final, joining the ranks of Patrick Kluivert and Carlos Alberto. At 19 years and 362 days, Doué is also the youngest player to both score and assist in a Champion League final.
Doué’s journey to this pinnacle began with his transfer from Renners to PSG for 42 million EUR the previous summer. Initially a backup, he seized his opportunity mid-season, finishing with 15 goals and 15 assists across all competitons. His emergence following the departure of Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid, as Doué stepped up to fill the void left by the club’s former talisman.
PSG’s Tactical Evolution Under Luis Enrique
Manager Luis Enrique’s strategic overhaul played a crucial role in PSG’s success. Shifting away from a reliance on marquee stars, Enrique emphasized youth, speed, tactical versability. This approach resulted in a dynamic, predominantly French squad with an average age of just 24. This final saw significant contributions from the young talents, with three of the five goals scored by players under 20.
Enrique’s own accolades include and unblemished record in club finals, with this victory marking his 11th win. He also joined Pep Guardiola as the only managers to achieved two European trebles, having previously accomplished the feat with Barcelona in 2015.
A New Era for PSG
This victory signifies a turning point for PSG, a club that has invested heavily in pursuit of European glory since its acquisition by Qatar Sports investment in 2011. After years of near misses and club’s success with a youthful, cohesive unit suggests a promising future built on collective strength rather than individual stardom.
As PSG celebrates this historic achievement, the emergence of players like Désiré Doué offers a glimpse into a new era, one where homegrown talent and strategic team-building pave the way for sustained success on a European stage.