The 2024/25 Champions League season concluded in a spectacular fashion, with Paris Saint-Germain etching their name into history books by securing their first-ever Champions League title. Their commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final at the Allianz Arena in Munich not only crowned them European champions but also marked a new era of dominance, reflected in their significant haul of individual awards and overwhelming presence in the official Team of the Season.
Ousmane Dembélé: The Architect of Victory
At the heart of PSG's triumphant campaign was Ousmane Dembélé, who was deservedly named the UEFA Champions League Player of the Season. The French forward was a relentless force, contributing significantly to PSG's offensive prowess with an impressive tally of 8 goals and 6 assists across 15 appearances. Beyond his direct goal contributions, Dembélé's influence was multifaceted. He spearheaded PSG's aggressive pressing game, constantly harrying opponents and disrupting their build-up play. His intelligent movement off the ball created space for teammates and ensured that PSG maintained constant pressure, effectively controlling the midfield and dictating the flow of games. Dembélé's blend of technical skill, tactical discipline, and tireless work rate made him the undisputed orchestrator of PSG's historic title run.
Désiré Doué: A Star is Born
The future of PSG and indeed European football shone brightly through the exceptional performances of 19-year-old Désiré Doué, who was honored with the UEFA Young Player of the Season award. Doué enjoyed a breakthrough season, registering 5 goals and 5 assists in 16 Champions League appearances. His burgeoning talent was particularly evident in the final, where he delivered a man-of-the-match performance, scoring a brace and providing an assist. This made him the first teenager in Champions League history to score twice in a final, a testament to his composure and clinical finishing under immense pressure. Doué's explosive pace, dazzling dribbling skills, and eye for goal mark him as one of the most exciting prospects in world football, and his impact was crucial to PSG's ultimate success.
PSG Dominates the Champions League Team of the Season
The UEFA Technical Observer Group's selection for the 2024/25 Champions League Team of the Season unequivocally highlights PSG's dominance throughout the tournament. Seven players from the Parisian squad earned a spot in this elite XI, showcasing the depth and quality across all departments of Luis Enrique's team.
The formidable lineup includes:
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Midfielders: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (Barcelona)
The strong presence of PSG players in every line – from Donnarumma's commanding presence in goal, to the dynamic defensive duo of Hakimi and Mendes on the flanks, alongside the leadership of Marquinhos in central defense, and Vitinha's tireless work in midfield – reflects the seamless integration and collective understanding fostered by Luis Enrique. The inclusion of Doué and Dembélé in the forward line further underscores their pivotal attacking contributions. Inter's Alessandro Bastoni, Arsenal's Declan Rice, and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Raphinha complete the team, representing the best of the rest of Europe's elite.
