PSG faces Flamengo in Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup with strong ties to the host country By Thiago Lemos
4 min read
 |
Paris Saint-Germain reaches the final of Copa Intercontinental against Flamengo this Wednesday, December 17th, at Estádio Ahmad bin Ali, at Al Rayyan, at Catar, at 8pm local time. The French club, champion of Champions League 2024/25, enters directly into the decision as the European representative, while Flamengo won the place after victories over Cruz Azul and Pyramids in the previous phases.
The match represents a symbolic moment for PSG, which has maintained deep ties with the host country since 2011. Qatar Sports Investments controls the majority of the club’s shares, allowing investments that have elevated the team to the top of European and French football.
The confrontation pits the current champion of Libertadores against the holder of Champions, in a tournament that replaces the traditional annual format of Mundial and Clubes.
From Paris to ⚽️🔴🔵
—Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside)December 16, 2025
Available on YouTube! 📺
🔜#PSGFLA👊
History of PSG before Qatari investments
PSG was founded in 1970 and won just two Campeonato Francês titles until 2010. Nesse period, the club accumulated eight Copas França and smaller trophies, but never established itself as a dominant power in the country.
The financial situation worsened in the early 2000s, with the risk of relegation in seasons such as 2006/07 and 2007/08. The sale to American investors in 2006 did not resolve the structural problems.
With the arrival of Qatar Sports Investments in 2011, the club began a complete transformation. Nasser Al-Khelaifi assumed the presidency and directed resources to hiring and infrastructure.
Transformation with qsi resources
QSI investments enabled high-level hires from the beginning. Jogadores as Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimović and David Beckham arrived in 2012 and 2013, changing the team’s status.
In 2014, Edinson Cavani and Marquinhos strengthened the squad, with the Brazilian becoming captain and record holder for titles. The biggest movement occurred in 2017, with the arrivals of Neymar and Kylian Mbappé at record values.
These reinforcements led PSG to dominate national competitions, winning 13 Campeonatos Franceses, 16 Copas of França and other cups. Revenue grew from 99 million euros in 2011 to 837 million in the 2024/25 season.
- National dominance with multiple consecutive titles
- Hirings that raised the technical level of the cast
- Significant increase in annual revenue
- Modern structure for international competitions
Path to the Champions League
PSG reached the final of Champions in 2020, but lost to Bayern of Munique. In 2021, signings like Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Gianluigi Donnarumma were aiming for the European title.
Despite the Neymar-Messi-Mbappé trio, the club faced early eliminations in subsequent editions. The change in strategy under Luis Enrique, focusing on players like Dembélé, Vitinha and Kvaratskhelia, resulted in the unprecedented achievement in 2025.
The team beat Inter of Milão 5-0 in the final played in Munique. Marquinhos lifted the cup as captain, marking the culmination of the project started by QSI.
Preparation for the decision in Qatar
PSG arrived at Doha with an almost complete squad, sparing starters in recent games from Ligue 1. Luis Enrique prioritizes Intercontinental, seeking to complete a season with multiple trophies.
Flamengo arrives undefeated in recent sequences and with a solid campaign in the knockout stages. Giorgian from Arrascaeta stood out with decisive goals and assists.
The stadium Ahmad bin Ali records an increase in ticket sales for the final. Torcedores locals, French and Brazilians must fill the stands.
Club’s financial evolution
The 2024/25 season saw record revenue of 837 million euros for PSG. Esse value represents almost nine times the revenue of 2011, the initial year of Qatari control.
Investments exceed 2 billion euros in contracts over the years. The economic model positions the club among the most efficient in the world.
The QSI project aims to position PSG as a global brand in sport. The achievement of Champions reinforces this long-term strategy.
Key players in the modern era
Marquinhos has accumulated more titles than any other player in PSG history. The Brazilian defender arrived in 2014 and became a defensive reference.
Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz form the solid midfield under Luis Enrique. Atacantes like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia bring speed and creativity.
Gonçalo Ramos and Bradley Barcola complete offensive options. The squad balances experience and youth for high-level competitions.
Meaning of the final in Qatar
The decision in Catar closes a cycle for PSG after 15 years of QSI investments. The host country financed the rise that led to the unprecedented European title.
Flamengo is looking for the second world title in its history, after winning it in 1981. The Rio team demonstrates tactical organization in the previous stages of the tournament.
The match defines the champion of Copa Intercontinental 2025. The winner gains recognition as the best club of the year between continents.
Paris Saint-Germain has built its successful era on the basis of continuous investment from Qatar Sports Investments since 2011. Esses resources have transformed an average club into a national dominant and European champion for the first time.
The final against Flamengo takes place in familiar territory for the French, reinforcing ties with Catar. The tournament brings together continental champions in a format renewed by Fifa.