PSG Finally Reach Champions League Summit After Dominating Inter Milan

MUNICH — After years of ambitious spending and near misses, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has finally captured its first UEFA Champions League title, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in a dominant display at the Allianz Arena in Munich on Saturday. The victory marks a historic moment for the Parisian club and its Qatari owners, who have invested billions in the pursuit of European glory.

The win completes a historic treble for PSG, who also secured the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France trophy in the 2024-2025 season. This triumph not only cements PSG's place among Europe's elite but also reinvigorates French football's reputation on the continental stage, becoming only the second French club to lift the Champions League trophy, following Olympique de Marseille's win in 1993.

A Record-Breaking Victory

PSG's 5-0 victory over Inter Milan is the largest margin of victory in a Champions League final, surpassing AC Milan's 4-0 win over Barcelona in 1994. The French side dominated from the start, with goals from Achraf Hakimi, Désiré Doué (2), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu securing the historic win.

Nineteen-year-old Doué became the third-youngest scorer in a Champions League final and the youngest player to both score and assist in the European showcase. Hakimi, who formerly played for Inter Milan, scored the opening goal in the 12th minute but refrained from celebrating against his former club.

Qatar's Investment Pays Off

The Champions League victory is the culmination of a long-term project spearheaded by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), which acquired a majority stake in PSG in 2011. Backed by the Qatari government, QSI pledged to build a team capable of winning the Champions League. Since the takeover, PSG has spent over €2 billion on player transfers, bringing in world-class talents such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Neymar, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi.

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, QSI chairman and PSG president, expressed his satisfaction with the victory. "It has taken 14 years of hard work, but we are building something for the future," he said. "The objective now is to win again."

QSI's strategy has been to transform PSG into a prestigious global brand, increasing its revenues exponentially through collaborations between luxury brands and sports clubs. For the 2023-2024 season, PSG posted revenues of more than €800 million, with sponsorship accounting for 50% of the club's income.

Luis Enrique's Impact

The Champions League triumph is also a testament to the leadership of coach Luis Enrique, who joined PSG in 2023. Enrique, who previously won the Champions League with FC Barcelona in 2015, has instilled a recognizable, collective style of play in the team.

Under Enrique's guidance, PSG has shifted its focus from signing glamorous superstars to building a cohesive, dynamic young team. This shift in recruitment and development has paid dividends, with young talents like Doué, Neves and Mayulu playing key roles in the Champions League victory.

"I said when I came in that the objective was to win important trophies, and the only one missing was the Champions League," said Enrique.

Celebrations and Aftermath

The victory sparked celebrations across Paris, with fans gathering at the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées to celebrate the historic achievement. However, the celebrations were marred by violence, with two fans killed and a police officer injured in separate incidents. French authorities reported that at least 559 people were arrested nationwide during the mass celebrations.

Despite the unfortunate incidents, the overall atmosphere in Paris was one of jubilation, with fans expressing their pride in the team's achievement. PSG is planning a victory parade on the Champs-Élysées, followed by a concert and light show at the Parc des Princes.

Looking Ahead

With the Champions League trophy finally in hand, PSG is now setting its sights on continued success in both domestic and international competitions. The club will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, offering another opportunity to showcase its dominance on the world stage.

PSG's victory marks a new chapter in the club's history, solidifying its position as one of the top teams in Europe. With a talented squad, a world-class coach, and the backing of its ambitious owners, PSG is poised to continue its pursuit of excellence in the years to come. The club will face Europa League winners Tottenham for the European Super Cup in August.