This Saturday, in the 2025-2026 Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain faced Arsenal at the Puskás Arena in Budapest. After a hard-fought match, the Parisians prevailed in a penalty shootout (1-1 in regulation time, 4-3 on penalties). Here are our player ratings for PSG.
Goalkeeper –
Matvey Safonov (6) – He was caught out by Havertz’s goal, but otherwise, his first half was fairly easy to manage as Arsenal offered little attacking threat. He had virtually no chances in the second half.
Defenders –
Achraf Hakimi (5) – A frustrating first half for him, often covering for Dembélé in the sea of English players. He didn’t shine any brighter in the second half, but he did stretch the English team down the right flank.
Marquinhos (7) – Focused and diligent, he played high up the pitch and defended well on a good Arsenal chance at the end of the first half. He showed he still has what it takes in this kind of big match. Substituted in the 105th minute by Ilya Zabarnyi.
Willian Pacho (6) – He didn’t have much to do, which is paradoxical for a Champions League final. Overall, less inspired than Marquinhos.
Nuno Mendes (5) – He provided a few flashes of power, a weapon that was underutilized in the first half. Very discreet overall.
Midfielders –
Joao Neves (7) – He struggled to get into the game, especially in possession. A rather difficult first half. A great second half made up for it. He was much more incisive, more precise, and pressed more.
Vitinha (6.5) – He touched the ball a lot, but few of those touches led to anything. His first half lacked boldness and decisiveness. He took control of the game much better in the second half. Substituted in the 105th minute by Lucas Beraldo.
Fabian Ruiz (6.5) – One of PSG’s best players, very mobile, involved in the best moves. He showed he brings a lot to the table. He used his game intelligence effectively.
Forwards –
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (6) – Virtually invisible in the first half. A much better second half; he created the goal and won the penalty. Substituted in the 83rd minute.
Ousmane Dembélé (6) – We didn’t see the Dembélé of the last Champions League final. He seemed less comfortable against this deep-lying defense. A first half that left a bitter taste. He did score the penalty, which was no small feat. Replaced by Gonçalo Ramos in the 96th minute.
Désiré Doué (6) – Quite incisive, sometimes too much so, he was inconsistent. His first half lacked flair. He wasn’t as adept at taking control as in his best matches. But he has so many qualities that his games are never straightforward.
Coach –
Luis Enrique (10) – A final that was inevitably frustrating for him. He watched his team struggle for much of the game and run up against a perfectly cohesive defense. But above all, his team remained confident and composed, securing a second consecutive European title. That’s invaluable.
