PSG's youth desire to pen a new chapter: Mbappé deemed redundant
Champions League Showdown: Paris Saint-Germain Poised for Glory
Paris, France/Munich, Germany - After a decade-and-a-half long journey marked by substantial investments and high-profile acquisitions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) stands on the brink of Champions League glory. In the final on Saturday, the French powerhouse takes on Inter Milan, aiming to etch their name in the annals of European club football.
PSG's aspirations for the coveted trophy have remained constant since their historic investment of 222 million euros in 2017 to secure Neymar's services. A year later, they reinforced their commitment with the acquisition of Kylian Mbappé for 180 million euros. However, these substantial investments in global superstars failed to deliver the elusive Champions League title.
Now, in the post-Mbappé era, manyFootball romantics revel in PSG's inability to conquer Europe's elite club competition. The Qatar-backed club's reputation for regular failures has become a source of delight among fanatics of the beautiful game.
However, the drought may finally be approaching an end. Under the guidance of Spanish coach Luis Enrique, PSG has undergone a transformation. Instead of relying on individual stars, the focus has shifted towards a more cohesive unit, composed of young, ambitious players with exceptional technique.
As Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, former CEO of Bayern Munich, observes, "The club's DNA has changed...They now have a more homogeneous team." The 69-year-old football veterans see Paris as "the big surprise of this season."
This transformation can be seen in the team's performance during the 2024/25 Champions League campaign. PSG leads the league in shot-ending high turnovers, highlighting their high-press intensity and ability to create attacking opportunities from turnovers[3]. Moreover, they have created more chances from the right flank than any other team in the tournament, with a variety of players contributing to goals[3].
In the Champions League final, PSG confronts Inter Milan, meeting the Italian side for the first time in a competitive match[3]. While these tactics have shown promising results, success in the final will ultimately depend on Paris's collective determination to make club history.
Enrique, known for his passionate celebrations and outbursts, has proven to be the right fit for PSG. He emphasizes the need to build upon their achievements while focusing on the ultimate goal: claiming the Champions League title. Speaking about the team's progress, he says, "We have continuously developed and grown. We can be proud of that, but we must finish the job, because our ultimate goal is to make history."
With a blend of established stars and vibrant young talent, PSG enters the final as a formidable opponent. The likes of Chwitscha Kvaratskhelia, signed from Napoli for around 70 million euros in the last winter transfer window, and teenagers like Dézir Doué, João Neves, or Bradley Barcola, form the future of PSG football.
None of these players iterates negatively, as even the controversial Ousmane Dembélé demonstrates a change in attitude under Enrique's coaching. "I've changed a lot," claims the French winger.
Invested by the Emirate of Qatar since May 2011, PSG has sought to become the new epicenter of European football, attracting stars like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, David Beckham, Neymar, Mbappé, and Messi. Yet, despite their glittering roster, they have never managed to conquer the Champions League. Can the unknown heroes of 2025 turn the tide and etch their names in the annals of the beautiful game?
The Paris Saint-Germain team, poised to etch their name in the annals of European club football, will face Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, PSG has shifted focus from individual stars to a more cohesive unit, composing of young, ambitious players with exceptional technique. Success in the final will depend on their collective determination to claim the coveted Champions League title in European leagues.
