PARIS — Translating the name Désiré Doué into English brings to mind the words “coveted” and “gifted,” fitting descriptions for the 19-year-old whose remarkable display in the Champions League final propelled him into the top echelons of soccer, as a player that every team eagerly desires.
In the decisive match on Saturday, Doué impressed with two expertly executed goals, leading Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) to a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan. The young sensation also demonstrated his impressive skill set by assisting PSG’s opening goal, showing deft control with his left foot before seamlessly switching to his right for a pass to Achraf Hakimi.
Reflecting on his performance, Doué, who is set to celebrate his 20th birthday shortly, expressed his elation: “I really don’t have the words to describe how I feel. What we did is magical. We showed we are a great side collectively. There are a lot of young players in the side who still need to improve, I am among them.”
The thought of Doué improving further might be unsettling for opponents considering the exceptional talent he already possesses.
A standout talent
Doué’s move to PSG from Rennes during the offseason for around 50 million euros ($55 million) seemed like a hefty sum for a relatively unproven youth player. However, his emergence has proven to be a wise investment by those familiar with his potential. Despite scoring only eight goals in 76 matches, those familiar with Ligue 1 anticipated his future stardom.
Rennes boasts one of Europe’s most reputed youth academies, producing talents like Doué’s PSG colleague Ousmane Dembélé, as well as Mathys Tel, now with Bayern Munich. PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, who previously led stars like Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Neymar to a Champions League victory, recognized Doué’s transformative potential early on.
Doué validated Enrique’s faith by becoming pivotal during the latter part of the season, ousting goal-scorer Bradley Barcola from the starting eleven and fueling PSG’s Champions League resurgence after a turbulent group stage, which included defeats to teams like Arsenal, Atlético Madrid, and Bayern.
In a key moment, Doué displayed composure by successfully converting the decisive penalty in PSG’s shootout win against Liverpool, securing their quarterfinal berth. His success continued internationally, scoring for France in a similar scenario during the Nations League.
Consistent breakthroughs
Moving into the quarterfinal round against Aston Villa, Doué managed an equalizer and added five goals in the tournament overall. His 15-goal tally for the season was bolstered by some stunning long-range strikes from outside the box, showcasing his skill with a curling right-footed shot.
His precise control and ability to outmaneuver defenders established him as a vital component of PSG’s tactically intricate plays, especially in tight spaces. While his dribbling remains a marvel, he is aware of its limitations.
“I sometimes overdo it a bit, but I try to keep my personality. When you play, you know there are areas where you have to build, release the ball, and others where you have more freedom,” Doué has acknowledged. “I analyze my matches and my training sessions a lot. I try to always maintain my discipline, and I hope that will take me to the very, very high level.”
These words from Doué in April foreshadowed his heightened performances. On Saturday night, he realized those ambitions by joining top young talents like Barcelona’s 17-year-old Lamine Yamal.
Both Doué and Yamal are currently seen as some of the most promising young stars in soccer. Excitingly, they might come head-to-head soon, as France and Spain clash in the Nations League semifinals on Thursday.
With such prodigious talent, the future is indeed bright for both players as they stand on the brink of soccer greatness.