Paris Saint-Germain tried for years to crack the Champions League code by relying on a catalogue of stars.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe all came and went having failed to deliver the prize the club craved the most.
In the end, on a balmy night in Munich, it was a 19-year-old from Angers, signed from Rennes in the wake of Mbappe’s exit for Real Madrid, who had the answers PSG needed as they finally lifted European club football’s biggest prize.
While the likes of Vitinha, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembele all sparkled as PSG routed Inter Milan by a 5-0 margin that marked the largest in a European Cup or Champions League final, it was Desire Doue who stole the show.
He combined with Vitinha to tee up Achraf Hakimi for the 12th-minute opener and, after doubling the PSG lead with a deflected effort eight minutes later, the teenager effectively made sure of victory three minutes after the hour, firing inside the right-hand post following a slick move involving Dembele and Vitinha.
Doue was a menace to a shellshocked Inter defence throughout, his movement exceptional, his pace frightening and his distribution a wondrous blend of precision and artistry.
He might have had a hat-trick had he not been withdrawn from the action soon after his second goal, manager Luis Enrique protecting against a possible dismissal with Doue on a yellow. Following his substitution, PSG scored twice more through Kvaratskhelia and 19-year-old Senny Mayulu.
HISTORY MADE 📸 pic.twitter.com/tjHbezI2vP
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 31, 2025
Still, Doue’s performance saw him become the youngest player to score twice in a European Cup or Champions League final at the age of 19 years and 361 days.
His showing was ultimate vindication of Luis Enrique’s faith in youth, PSG having the youngest average starting age of teams to reach the last 16 of this season’s Champions League at 24 years and 274 days.
Doue’s display was enough to render any observer speechless, and he was almost lost for words when asked about PSG’s triumph.
“I have no words. It’s just incredible for me, simply incredible,” Doue told TNT Sports.
Paying tribute to Luis Enrique, Doue added: “[He] has been here two years. Tactically, mentally he’s a really good coach, an unbelievable coach and as a human being too. It’s a pleasure to work with him.”
Though PSG’s win was a victory for their youth movement, it also marked the culmination of a career’s worth of work for captain Marquinhos, who was finally able to lift the trophy after 12 years at PSG.
“I’ve been here 12 years. Those 12 years are running through my mind now,” Marquinhos told CBS Sports.
“In a final, 5-0, it’s an explosion of emotions, it just made me feel like I was dreaming. I waited for the whistle and just stepped back and enjoyed that moment.”
While delighted to end the long wait for European glory, Marquinhos could not help but think of those who failed in that quest with the club in previous years.
“It’s a mixture of joy, of all the emotions we’ve spent together,” the Brazilian told M6. “I suffered, but I grew up with this team.
“I think of all the players who have come and gone and didn’t succeed.
“My idol, Thiago [Silva], Lucas [Moura], Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], [Edinson] Cavani, [Angel] Di Maria. So many players who have come and gone here who deserved it and didn’t succeed.
“We arrive and we bring it home. I think of all the supporters who have been with us, those at the Parc and those around the world. I love you, enjoy it, and we’re going to enjoy it here.
“It’s the best day of my life. My family was with me and experienced it with me. It was a big goal. When we arrived, no one believed we could go this far.
“It’s 12 years of difficulty and suffering. I value this title too much, it’s with us, and we’re bringing it home. I’m so happy.”
