As Javier Pastore exited the pitch carrying the coveted trophy, a broad smile illuminated his face. The retired Argentine footballer, who once donned the jersey of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), was genuinely thrilled for his former teammates who were about to bask in the glory of victory. The moment was electric; the eyes of all the PSG players were fixed on Pastore, eagerly watching his every move. With a sense of nostalgia, he handed the trophy over to the PSG skipper, Marquinhos, wishing it were himself lifting the trophy high into the Munich sky.
At just 35 years old, Pastore remains younger than some of the players on the Inter Milan squad that PSG defeated. He was the first significant acquisition following the takeover of PSG by Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, joining the club from Palermo for a staggering €42 million. Nasser Al-Khelaifi, PSG's president, articulated that Pastore’s signing was part of a strategy to find a player akin to Lionel Messi rather than to purchase the football icon himself. Ironically, a decade later, PSG did secure Messi, coinciding with Qatar hosting the World Cup, a move that generated significant returns on investment.
While Messi achieved greatness by winning the World Cup with Argentina, his tenure at PSG did not culminate in a Champions League triumph. The burning question became: who could deliver that long-awaited trophy for PSG? Many looked to the home-grown talent, Kylian Mbappe, but last summer, he made the switch to Real Madrid, a club that had just clinched their 15th Champions League title, seemingly enhancing his chances of success.
Following the match, Pastore placed the trophy on a plinth at the Allianz Arena, stepping back to watch the jubilant PSG players approach. They embraced the trophy, kissing its shining surface. Desire Doue, the standout player of the match, paused to place his hands on the trophy as if greeting an old friend. In the trophy's polished reflection, he saw not Pastore, Messi, Neymar, or Mbappe, but himself—the player who had just ended a 32-year wait for a European champion from French football. “I don’t have words to describe it!” he exclaimed, capturing the emotion of the moment.
PSG's victory was largely attributed to the brilliance of Desire Doue, who was named the UEFA Man of the Match. His performance was nothing short of extraordinary, as he navigated around the Inter defense with finesse. Federico Dimarco was meant to mark Doue, but his agility made him elusive. Francesco Acerbi thought he had Dembele covered, only for Doue to make his presence known. Benjamin Pavard found himself overwhelmed by the threat that Doue posed. “Wonderful. Magical,” was how Doue described his unforgettable night on the pitch.
Doue's alertness led to the opening goal, displaying exceptional skill to connect with Vitinha’s expertly delivered pass. He created a scoring opportunity for Achraf Hakimi, who netted the ball against his former club. The young player’s impact was undeniable, as he exploited gaps in the Inter defense, making Dimarco's job increasingly difficult. Following a timely substitution for Dimarco, it became clear that the damage had already been done.
Doue's first goal came with a touch of luck as the ball deflected off an Inter defender, but his second showcased a level of composure that belied his age. Released by Vitinha once again, he confidently faced Yann Sommer, coolly slotting the ball past him. This moment was reminiscent of a missed opportunity by his teammate Randal Kolo Muani in the 2022 World Cup final. Ironically, Kolo Muani was loaned to Juventus, having lost his place to Doue and Bradley Barcola.
“It was business as usual for me,” Doue reflected after scoring twice and assisting another goal in PSG’s 5-0 triumph. At just 19, he became the third youngest player to score in a Champions League final, although his teammate Senny Mayulu later nudged him down to fourth after contributing to the scoreline. This young talent is a testament to the future of PSG and French football.
PSG's sporting director, Luis Campos, has shown a keen eye for talent this season, investing nearly €250 million in new players. However, the lack of fanfare surrounding these transfers stemmed from the fact that many of the signings were not household names. For instance, PSG paid Rennes €50 million for Doue, a figure surpassing Inter's current squad transfers. This strategic investment reflects PSG's commitment to cultivating young talent, positioning them alongside Barcelona as leading contenders in European football.
In conclusion, PSG's victory in the Champions League marks the culmination of a long journey that began with Pastore's signing in 2011. Now, with the emergence of players like Desire Doue, the club has not only realized its ambition but also positioned itself at the forefront of both French and European football. “We are rewriting the history, not just of this club but French football, European football,” Doue declared, encapsulating the spirit of a new generation ready to seize the future.
