Historic Triumph in Munich
In a stunning display of dominance, Paris Saint-Germain claimed their first-ever Champions League title with a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich. The French giants, led by coach Luis Enrique, showcased a masterclass of attacking football, with 19-year-old French forward Désiré Doué emerging as the night’s hero. Doué, a symbol of PSG’s youthful resurgence, scored twice, including a deflected strike and a clinical finish, setting the tone for the rout. Additional goals from Achraf Hakimi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and substitute Senny Mayulu sealed the landmark win, leaving Inter Milan shell-shocked and Europe in awe.
Amid PSG’s celebration, a storm is brewing across the Channel at Arsenal. Désiré Doué, the young French star, has indirectly delivered a devastating blow to Arsenal’s defensive talent, William Saliba. The 24-year-old French center-back, a cornerstone of the Gunners’ backline, faced PSG in the Champions League semi-finals, where a deflected shot off Saliba from Fabián Ruiz’s strike helped PSG secure a 2-1 win on May 7, 2025, and a 3-1 aggregate victory. Doué’s dazzling performance in the final has amplified scrutiny on Saliba, with reports suggesting his error-prone moments in the semi-final—coupled with PSG’s subsequent triumph—have sparked tension in Arsenal’s locker room.
Locker Room Tensions Rise
Sources close to the club reveal a growing unease within Arsenal’s squad. Saliba, typically a composed and reliable defender, has been under pressure after a series of uncharacteristic missteps, including the deflection that aided PSG’s semi-final breakthrough. The meteoric rise of Doué, a fellow Frenchman, has cast a shadow over Saliba’s standing, with whispers of frustration among teammates. Some players reportedly feel the young defender’s lapses cost Arsenal a shot at the final, and the contrast with PSG’s success—driven by a teenager—has fueled debate about Saliba’s role and the club’s direction under Mikel Arteta. “It’s gutting,” Declan Rice said post-semi-final, hinting at broader squad disappointment.
A Season of Contrasts
PSG’s triumph marks a new era, with Doué’s emergence signaling a bright future. “I have no words. That was just incredible for me,” Doué said after the final
