"We're not done yet" - PSG empire stands, as they promise more
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 30.05.26. | 23:43
As Paris toasted another European triumph, Desire Doue and company made it clear their hunger for trophies has only grown
One year ago, Paris Saint-Germain steamrolled Inter in the Champions League final, leaving no doubt about the identity of Europe's best team. This time, however, the challenge was far greater.
Arsenal arrived armed with the tactical blueprint that had finally ended their 22-year wait for a Premier League title. Mikel Arteta's side frustrated PSG for long stretches and pushed the French champions to their limits, but they ultimately fell short of claiming the first European crown in the club's history.
Instead, the night belonged to Paris once again.
And to Luis Enrique.
By leading PSG to a second consecutive Champions League title, the Spaniard secured his place among football's most exclusive company. He became just the fifth manager ever to win Europe's premier club competition three or more times, joining Carlo Ancelotti, Bob Paisley, Zinedine Zidane and Pep Guardiola.
"It feels even better than last year," Enrique admitted after the final whistle. "We knew before the match how difficult Arsenal would be to play against. For this team and for this city, winning the Champions League twice in a row is incredible. Looking at our entire season, I think we deserved it."
The PSG coach reserved special praise for the depth of his squad.
"The secret? Constant work. The players who came off the bench made the difference. Goncalo, Beraldo, Bradley, Warren... everyone deserved to play, but choosing the team was incredibly difficult."
One of the symbols of PSG's new era is Joao Neves.
Signed from Benfica in the summer of 2024 for €65 million, the Portuguese midfielder has quickly become one of the cornerstones of Enrique's project.
"Coming to PSG was the best decision of my life," Neves said. "I love everything here. This season was even more demanding because we had to defend our title. We've made history for this club and we're all incredibly happy."
If Neves reflected on the present, Desire Doue was already looking toward the future.
"I have no words," the young star said. "Winning the first one was incredible, but we wanted this second title more than anything. This is for our families, our brothers and sisters. I love this club so much. And we're not done. We have the second one now, but we'll keep working and go for a third."
For captain Marquinhos, the moment carried special significance.
The Brazilian has spent 13 years in Paris and famously broke down in tears after lifting the trophy last season. This time, the emotions were different.
"These are different feelings," he said. "Winning back-to-back titles shows how much we wanted this from the very first day of the season. The coach told us it would be even harder to win it again. Today we had a complete team and the right mentality. Look at the players who came off the bench. Everyone contributed. The atmosphere was unbelievable."
Achraf Hakimi, who converted PSG's decisive penalty in the shootout, was equally emotional.
"We don't have words," the Moroccan defender said. "We're happy, we're proud of the work we've done. It wasn't easy. Now it's time to enjoy this with our supporters and our families. Hard work pays off, and tonight it paid off again."
Among those making an impact from the bench was Goncalo Ramos, who coolly converted PSG's opening penalty.
"This is a dream come true," the Portuguese striker said. "We have so many strong personalities in this squad and everyone trusts one another. I love moments like these. I'm a striker and I'm always ready to take responsibility. I want to be there in the biggest moments."
While players and staff celebrated another historic European triumph, club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi had a simple message for supporters.
"We have the best fans in the world," he said. "I only ask one thing: please don't cause any trouble. Celebrate, enjoy the moment, but do it peacefully. We'll be together again tomorrow to celebrate properly."