MUNICH — Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has successfully reached the pinnacle of European soccer, cementing their status among the continent’s elite by conquering the UEFA Champions League. However, maintaining that supremacy may pose a new challenge.
The recent victory confirmed what many had long anticipated: PSG’s time to shine had arrived. Dreams of European glory finally came to fruition on a remarkable night in Munich, ending years of frustration in club soccer’s most prestigious tournament. The triumph not only alleviated the longing for their coveted trophy but redefined the standard for winning it.
In a historic match, PSG’s commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan marked the largest ever winning margin in a final in the competition’s 70-year history. The scoreline might have been even more lopsided if Bradley Barcola had capitalized on opportunities in front of goal, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had converted additional chances, or Désiré Doué had remained on the field longer after scoring twice and assisting another goal. Interestingly, star player Ousmane Dembele did not even find the net.
Despite the overwhelming victory, PSG’s potential for improvement remains evident. The team’s youthfulness is a sign of ongoing development, with an average starting age of 24.8 years, in stark contrast to Inter Milan’s lineup, averaging over 30. The 31-year-old captain Marquinhos was the sole PSG starter over 30, highlighting the squad’s young core, including teenagers like Doué, Senny Mayulu, and Warren Zaire-Emery.
“We have many young talents who are still developing, myself included,” expressed Doué. “We are constantly striving to improve.”
With Europe’s top clubs often eyeing promising young talent, PSG’s substantial financial resources, particularly from Qatar, should help retain their young stars, especially as they focus largely on nurturing French talent.
PSG’s ambition shows no sign of waning with one Champions League title in hand. “We aim to extend our conquests across the world of football,” declared coach Luis Enrique, celebrating his second managerial Champions League win. Having previously won with Barcelona a decade ago, he has ambitions for a new era of domination. PSG’s victory capped an impressive treble this season, and the team now looks forward to the Club World Cup.
Reflecting on this tournament, Enrique remarked, “While it might not yet be at its pinnacle, the Club World Cup is set to become a prestigious competition. We’re eager to end the season on a high note.”
Renowned as a top coach globally, Luis Enrique has shaped PSG into both winners and crowd-pleasers with his strategic vision. By focusing on a cohesive team ethos rather than just star power, he has revived the squad. Barcelona posed the only serious entertainment competition but had been previously outplayed by Inter in the semifinals.
PSG surged to triumph past notable teams, including Premier League title-holders Liverpool, eliminated in earlier rounds, alongside Manchester City and Arsenal.
As PSG achieved success, they invested in assembling a formidable squad, though the era of high-profile “Galactico” purchases might currently be paused. However, Kvaratskhelia’s acquisition from Napoli symbolizes ongoing transfer zeal under President Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
The Georgian forward played a crucial role in PSG’s European renaissance, helping transition them from group stage near-exit prospects to Champions League titlists.
In the face of such dominance, other teams are vying to catch up. While Manchester City’s Champions League win in 2023 hinted at a new era of success, this season saw them exit disappointingly in playoffs, indicative of the tournament’s challenging nature. Only Real Madrid has retained the trophy in consecutive years during the modern era, underscoring stiff competition across European clubs.
Next season, PSG will face increased competition from a highly ambitious Liverpool, strengthening themselves during the transfer window, Real Madrid empowered by new head coach Xabi Alonso and new signings such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Barcelona hungry after their semifinal shortfall. Meanwhile, Manchester City undergoes its evolutionary phase.
Nevertheless, PSG is expected to be the team to beat next season, leveraging their dynamic young team and newly acquired experience to potentially defend their Champions League crown.