On May 8, 2025, the European football village was shocked by the summons of talented young Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Désiré Doué to investigate allegations of doping. The allegation stemmed from a formal complaint made by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the Champions League semi-final second leg between PSG and Arsenal, where PSG won 2-1 (3-1 aggregate) to advance to the final.
According to print sources, the Arsenal team provided evidence they believed to highlight Doué’s doping violation, a 19-year-old considered one of the brightest talents in French football today. This evidence is believed to be linked to Doué’s superior performances in both matches, particularly his ability to maintain high intensity and incredible speed for 90 minutes. However, specific details of the evidence have not been publicly announced, and UEFA and PSG have declined to comment on the incident at this time.
Désiré Doué, who joined PSG from Rennes for £43 million in the summer of 2024, has become a mainstay in manager Luis Enrique’s squad. He has made his mark with skillful technique, deft dribbling, and a growing influence in big games. In the match against Arsenal, Doué provided an assist for his teammates, making a significant contribution to PSG’s victory. It was this impressive form that appeared to have prompted Arteta and Arsenal’s coaching staff to question the legitimacy of his performance.
Arsenal, while not publicly confirming the claim, are reportedly disappointed with the way the game is going. Some sources close to the British team have said that Arteta felt PSG, and Doué in particular, were showing an “unnatural advantage” in both games. However, these allegations have also sparked controversy, with many suggesting this could be a move to undermine PSG’s reputation ahead of the Champions League final against Inter Milan.
On Doué’s side, the young player’s representative quickly denied all allegations, emphasizing that he has always respected anti-doping rules and is ready to cooperate with the investigative agency to clarify the truth. PSG is also preparing a legal team to protect its players and affirm its absolute belief in Doué’s purity.
The French football community is currently divided. Some fans have supported Doué, claiming he was the victim of a smear campaign by Arsenal, while others have called for a transparent investigation to protect the reputation of European football. UEFA is expected to hold an emergency hearing in the coming days to review the evidence presented. If the violation is found, Doué could face a long-term suspension, seriously impacting his growing career as well as PSG’s ambitions in the European arena.
This incident not only heated up competition among Europe’s leading clubs, but also raised questions about fairness in modern football. While awaiting the results of the investigation, all eyes were focused on DeSiré Doué and the next developments in this shocking scandal.
