Patrick Vieira, former captain of Les Bleus and now coach, praised the meteoric rise of Désiré Doué (20 years old) at Paris Saint-Germain in an interview with Foot Mercato. According to him, the Parisian midfielder is the favorite to win the 2025 Golden Boy award.
Vieira: “I think he’s the best of the best in the world.”
“The big favorite is Désiré Doué. Were you surprised by his meteoric rise at PSG?”
Désiré Doué is the best young player in Europe. Not only did he score in the Champions League final, where he showed his talent, but he also progressed a lot at Rennes and continues to do so at PSG. He went through a difficult period, but he worked hard and never gave up. Lamine Yamal can’t be nominated this year, so I think Doué will win. He’s a young player with a lot of talent. A club must create a good environment for learning, making mistakes, and learning from them.” Désiré Doué is the perfect example. I think he’s the best of the best in the world.
Vieira: “I think Paris is a club that also teaches.”
PSG will also be very well represented at the December ceremony. Zaïre-Emery, Doué-Mayulu, Mbaye, and more recently Ndjantou, is PSG clearly an example to follow?
Yes, but then there are many who are trained there, and many who, unfortunately or fortunately for them, are not at Paris Saint-Germain and who are now playing in La Liga and in Italy. I think Paris is a club that also teaches. When you see the young players who have returned from the Club World Cup, it shows the talent and the work that is put in at Paris Saint-Germain. Afterwards, there has reached a certain point where it is important for them to play every weekend.
Patrick Vieira’s praise illustrates how much Désiré Doué has progressed since his arrival at Paris Saint-Germain. At just 20 years old, the former Rennes player has made his mark on the European scene, notably thanks to his goal in the Champions League final, a symbol of precocious maturity. Vieira emphasizes his ability to learn from adversity: getting through a difficult period without giving up is often what distinguishes talented players from future greats.
Beyond Doué’s case, the former world champion highlights the structuring role of PSG, now a showcase for European football development. With gems like Zaïre-Emery (19), Mayulu (19), and Ndjantou (17), the Parisian club embodies this new generation that combines high standards, hard work, and boldness. The Golden Boy should be French.
