With 13 seasons under their belt at Paris Saint-Germain, captain Marquinhos had barely wiped away tears of joy from last year’s thrilling 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final when the Parisians were handed another golden opportunity to etch their names into football history.
Only Real Madrid has achieved the feat of consecutive Champions League titles in the modern era of the competition, securing three triumphs between 2016 and 2018. Marquinhos, whose father made the road trip to Budapest with friends to witness the spectacle, reflected on the intoxicating allure of lifting the trophy again: “Once you’ve tasted that moment, the hunger to relive it never fades.”
The 17,000 Parisian supporters who secured tickets to the Puskas Arena are equally desperate to witness a second coronation. Back in the capital, the Parc des Princes and every fan-packed bar will pulsate with anticipation, while 8,000 law enforcement officers stand ready to maintain order and ensure the celebrations remain joyous rather than chaotic.
Even France’s rising tennis sensation, Moïse Kouame, has postponed his third-round clash at Roland-Garros to cheer on his beloved club from the stands.
To recreate last season’s euphoria, the French side must overcome an Arsenal side brimming with confidence after clinching their first Premier League title in 22 years—a triumph that has galvanized the entire club and its fanbase.
Captain Martin Odegaard admitted the Premier League glory has infused his team with self-belief: “Winning the toughest league in the world has given us immense confidence.” Manager Mikel Arteta, the architect behind Arsenal’s resurgence, echoed the sentiment, calling the domestic success “a springboard to even greater achievements.” The English club, yet to taste Champions League success, has spent much of its pre-final press engagements basking in their Premier League victory, with Bukayo Saka and Odegaard still visibly moved by the milestone.
PSG’s Spanish manager Luis Enrique, a figure synonymous with the club’s winning mentality, couldn’t resist a playful jab at his opponents: “Yes, winning the Champions League for the first time would be powerful motivation for Arsenal, but you know what’s even more powerful? Winning it twice in a row.”
The Parisians plan to dictate the pace with their high-octane attacking style, while the Gunners—known for their compactness and dead-ball prowess—will look to exploit set-pieces to their advantage.
a battle of equals
Luis Enrique cautioned against underestimating Arsenal’s threat, acknowledging the similarities between the two teams while highlighting their distinct tactical approaches: “They score a lot of goals and defend exceptionally well.” He downplayed the idea of a one-sided encounter, unlike last year’s final against Inter Milan, which quickly slipped beyond doubt. “A final is always unpredictable. I don’t see a clear favorite on Saturday.”
The French giants, who battled injuries and a mid-season slump in early 2026 before roaring back to dominance, are unlikely to be complacent. Their breathtaking 5-4 semi-final triumph over Bayern Munich—another title contender—served as a stark reminder of their insatiable appetite for silverware.
Luis Enrique set the bar high from the outset, declaring his ambition to establish PSG as a European powerhouse. His players appear fully committed to that vision.
