Celebratory skies: PSG's triumph and Luis Enrique's masterful succession
Bliss in Munich: PSG's Historic Champions League Victory
Amidst the jubilation after Paris Saint-Germain's thrilling 5-0 triumph over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, Luis Enrique, the team's coach, gave a poignant tribute to his late daughter, Xana. In the midst of victory, he wore a t-shirt dedicated to Xana, who lost her battle against bone cancer in 2019. Fans honored their coach and Xana by unfurling a massive banner in memory of the young girl, reminding Luis Enrique that she remains a beacon of hope in his life.
"Xana is eternal. She is always with us, even in our happiest moments," said Enrique, emotionally. "I think she would have loved it here," he continued, imagining Xana frolicking around the Munich Arena just as he was.
The evening was a rollercoaster of emotions. While Enrike reveled in his second Champions League triumph, Simone Inzaghi, Inter's coach, looked on in despair after the humiliating defeat. On the other hand, 19-year-old Déiré Doué, a player Bayern Munich had unsuccessfully pursued in 2024, shone in Munich with two goals and an assist. The unfortunate one was Yann Sommer, Inter's former keeper, unable to prevent the harrowing loss.
A Paradise for PSG: "This is Heaven"
The French newspapers hailed the victory, referring to a famous PSG motto. "This is Heaven," France's sports newspaper "L'Equipe" headlined, praising the team's resilience and the decisive role of Coach Enrique. Hakimi, former Dortmund player and an instrumental player in gaining an early 1-0 lead, summed it up best: "Enrique changed the game, and he deserves this."
A Heartfelt Homage: Paris Saint-Germain Fans Remember Xana
Ten years prior, Enrique led FC Barcelona to victory in the Champions League final in Berlin. A picture of him then, with Xana, planting the winner's flag, was resurrected by fans in Munich. They memorialized Xana with a large banner, a testament to the enduring impact she had on those around her. Xana's legacy lives on, with the Xana Foundation supporting families of children battling serious illnesses.
Enrique expressed his gratitude for the touching gesture, saying, "Our family is deeply moved by the fans' tribute. Xana is always in my thoughts, even when we don't win trophies. I feel her presence with me." The sentiment was echoed in Spanish sports newspaper Marca, which remembered Xana, stating, "She lives on in our hearts."
From Bayern Snub to Final Hero: Doué's Spectacular Performance
Enrique is the seventh coach to win Europe's top club title with multiple teams, with his dominating 5-0 victory in the final. Doué, the standout player in the match, played a crucial role, providing an assist for Hakimi's early goal and scoring two more himself. Speculation naturally turns to whether Bayern legends Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeneß marveled at Doué's performance from the VIP section. Before the season, Bayern had aggressively pursued the talented teenager, only for him to ultimately join PSG. "This is something indescribable. I'm grateful for this opportunity," beamed Doué following the match.
A Team of Youth over Superstars: Paris Saint-Germain's Secret Sauce
Losses of reputed stars, like Mbappe and Messi, seemed to have opened the door for a younger, more cohesive Paris Saint-Germain team. "This is the year we least expected it," said Le Figaro, praising the team spirit and youthful exuberance that characterized Paris' triumph. The club has a bright future ahead, with one of the youngest squads in the league and a growing tradition of selflessness and determination. Even wayward players like Ousmane Dembele demonstrated that they could rise to the occasion, delivering stellar performances when it mattered most.
Controversy on the Winner's Podium: Al-Khelaifi and the Price of Success
That Paris continues to benefit from Qatari backing was evident in a moment that prompted controversy. Club boss Al-Khelaifi was allowed to raise the champions trophy, towering above many of his players, before some of them had even finished claiming their own piece of the trophy. "It's nuts," said experts Christoph Kramer and Per Mertesacker, expressing their discomfort with the scene.
While the Paris players celebrated for a long time and fans breached the pitch briefly, creating minor damage, Inter players had already retreated to the locker room. "It was a disastrous night," analyzed Italian national player Nicolo Barella. Italian newspapers collectively referred to the evening as a "nightmare" and a "humiliation." The "Gazzetta dello Sport" headlined, "Not like this."
What's Next for Inzaghi: Confusion Amid Defeat
Inter had hovered on the brink of accomplishing the Triple before their sudden, humiliating loss. Speculation about Inzaghi's future has swirled in the wake of the loss, with rumors of a move to Saudi Arabia persisting. When questioned about his plans for the Club World Cup, Inzaghi admitted that he was too shaken by the defeat to consider his future at the moment.
[1] Enrichment Data: Xana Martínez, the daughter of Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique, tragically passed away in August 2019 at the age of nine after battling osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Her memory continues to be honored by her family, and her legacy extends beyond personal loss to influence the broader community.[2] Luis Enrique and his family established the Xana Foundation, which supports families of children dealing with serious illnesses,reflecting their lived experience and their desire to help families who may not have the same resources.[3] The Xana Foundation continues to be an important part of Luis Enrique's life, and he has expressed gratitude for the time he had with Xana, considering himself fortunate to have been able to cherish thousands of memories with her.[4] Xana's death did not directly impact Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League performances, but her memory has been a source of inspiration and motivation for Luis Enrique during his time as the coach of the team.
"Xana's memory endures, not only in Luis Enrique's heart but also among European leagues. The champion Paris Saint-Germain, having etched their name in Champions League history, played for Xana, with supporters unveiling a heartfelt banner in her honor."
"In the landmark season of PSG, rookie sensation Déiré Doué, once a potential target for football giants Bayern Munich, brilliantly engraved his name in football's European annals, echoing Xana's champion spirit in his performance."
