Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) resounding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the 2025 UEFA Champions League final marked a historic milestone, ending a 14-year quest for European glory under Qatari ownership.
Since Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) acquired the club in 2011, PSG has transformed from a mid-tier French side into a global football powerhouse, culminating in this record-breaking triumph—the most lopsided final in the competition’s history.
Under QSI, PSG invested substantial amounts in transfers, securing the services of stars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, yet the Champions League remained elusive until now.
Saturday’s victory is just the second time any French club has won the tournament after Marseille in 1993. From all indications, it surely won’t take over 30 years for PSG to win another Champions League, especially as this thrilling young side should now stay together for a long time.
The average age of their starting line-up on Saturday was under 25 and their oldest player is Marquinhos at 31 -- he has been there since 2013.
The shift in philosophy, moving away from aging superstars to a vibrant, youth-driven squad led by talents like 19-year-old Desire Doue, who scored twice in the final, proved pivotal.
Coach Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen fashioned a cohesive unit that outclassed Inter Milan, showcasing a blend of flair and discipline. This triumph, as midfielder Vitinha noted, “was not by magic” but the result of meticulous planning and investment, fulfilling QSI’s ambition to dominate European football.
The Qatari angle, however, extends beyond the pitch. PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has leveraged the club to enhance the nation’s global influence.
Posts on X highlight this, with some framing the victory as a culmination of Qatar’s long-term investment, initiated as projecting its soft power through sport.
PSG will now take away more than 100 million euros just in prize money from winning the Champions League, and there is the chance for more glory and riches as they head to the highly lucrative FIFA Club World Cup in the USA.
Qatar-owned PSG’s quest for domination will not stop with Europe.
“I think it is an incredible competition,” said Luis Enrique, whose side face Atletico Madrid in Los Angeles in two weeks’ time.
“Our aim is to be competitive and to try to win a fifth trophy of the season.”
While the next trophy waits, now is the moment to celebrate a hard-won victory. Congratulations PSG! Congratulations Qatar!!
