Désiré Doué, the 20-year-old midfielder/forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, spoke to the media Monday evening after receiving the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award for the 2025-2026 season at the UNFP Trophies ceremony.
Doué said, “Regularity, consistency, and daily hard work are what I think will follow.”
Still a young prospect, what’s left to become an established player?
“I’m still a young prospect. I’m very happy to receive this trophy. Ligue 1 is a very competitive league. There’s a lot of talent, a lot of young talent, but also a lot of very good players. And I think that being nominated in any category is already a great achievement. Of course, I have ambition, and my goal is to win more trophies, first team trophies, and individual trophies will come later, I think.” But regularity, consistency, daily work—I think all the other good things will flow from that.
What more could you wish for during this good period?
I’m very happy, I’m thriving, and I have been for a long time. Even in the months when I scored a little less, I was always very happy, very happy to be playing football first and foremost. I’m flourishing here at Paris Saint-Germain. I’m very happy. We have an exciting end to the season. We have a Champions League final to play, and two remaining Ligue 1 matches as well. So we’ll have to be very focused and prepare for them as best we can.
“It’s a dream for me too. I hope to be on the roster and be able to contribute to France’s success.”
What are your hopes for the World Cup with the French national team?
Every player dreams of participating, regardless of the country. It’s a dream for me too; I hope to be on the list and contribute to France’s success.
Your dad was moved. How does it feel to make your dad proud?
I didn’t see it, and that’s just as well, or I would have been moved too (smiles). But seeing your parents proud is the greatest gift; it’s magnificent. When you’re a child, you want to make your parents proud.
“We’re enjoying ourselves today, defending together, attacking together. We need to keep that going for years to come.”
How does the PSG family help you on a daily basis?
I think that when you play with the best players in the world, you naturally improve. There’s nothing forced between us. We have healthy relationships, healthy competition. We know the expectations are high. We’re enjoying ourselves today, defending together, attacking together. We need to keep that going for years to come. Especially in the Champions League final, and that it pays off.
A contract extension?
That’s not something I handle, and I haven’t heard anything about it.
Another final after last year’s exceptional one. Is the goal to relive that experience, both collectively and individually?
The goal is to bring back the Champions League trophy, it’s as simple as that. Whether I score or not, whether I play or not, the goal is to bring back the Champions League trophy.
Doué: “Seeing them moved is a magnificent achievement.” –
Speaking to Ligue 1+:
Was your father moved?
I know he’s proud of me, and that’s what fills me with joy too. I know my family is proud of me. It’s an achievement. When you’re a child, you want to make your parents proud. Seeing them moved is a magnificent achievement.
You voted for your brother,
Of course, in every category (laughs). He had an exceptional season, he contributed to Strasbourg’s good season even if they didn’t finish the way they wanted. He wasn’t nominated, which also shows the excellence of Ligue 1. There are a lot of very good players, it’s very difficult to get nominated.
