The 2025 Champions League final, set for May 31 in Munich, pits PSG against Inter Milan, two European powerhouses that, despite not being early favorites, invest heavily in their squads. The unprecedented matchup showcases players with multimillion-euro salaries, led by PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé and Inter’s Lautaro Martínez. Held at the Allianz Arena, the game features clubs among Europe’s top spenders on player wages. PSG ranks fourth in payroll, while Inter holds the tenth spot. The financial escalation reflects both teams’ ambitions to claim Europe’s most prestigious football title. Data from Capology details the contract values, highlighting the highest-paid athletes in this clash.
High-salary investments are a clear strategy to attract top talent. Clubs like PSG and Inter leverage financial resources to build competitive rosters. The 2025 final underscores this trend, with players earning substantial annual figures.
- Ousmane Dembélé: €18 million (R$115.88 million).
- Lautaro Martínez: €16.6 million (R$106.87 million).
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: €16.3 million (R$104.97 million).
The salary disparity between the squads is notable, with PSG dominating the list of top earners.
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Financial escalation of the clubs
PSG, with the fourth-highest payroll in Europe, heavily invests in stars like Dembélé, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi. The French club, backed by Qatari funding, pursues high-impact signings. In 2025, PSG reached the final after a strong campaign, eliminating teams like Bayern Munich in the semifinals. The Parisian squad blends young prospects, such as Zaire-Emery, with seasoned veterans like Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Inter Milan, meanwhile, adopts a more balanced approach. Despite ranking tenth in payroll, the Italian club has built a competitive team. Lautaro Martínez, the main attacking force, leads in earnings, followed by Nicolò Barella and Hakan Calhanoglu. The 2024 Italian champions secured their final spot after defeating Real Madrid in the semifinals.
- PSG: Fourth-highest payroll in Europe.
- Inter Milan: Tenth in the payroll rankings.
- Key players: Dembélé (PSG) and Martínez (Inter) lead in salaries.
Standout players in the final
Ousmane Dembélé, earning €18 million annually, is the highest-paid player in the final. The French forward, known for his speed and dribbling, was pivotal in PSG’s campaign. His season included decisive goals, such as one against Borussia Dortmund in the quarterfinals. Lautaro Martínez, with €16.6 million, is Inter’s offensive engine. The Argentine scored crucial goals, including one against Barcelona in the group stage.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, also from PSG, ranks third with €16.3 million. The Georgian, a recent breakout star, combines skill and versatility. Marquinhos, PSG’s captain, earns €13.4 million and remains a defensive cornerstone, contributing goals like one against Auxerre in Ligue 1.
Salaries and on-field performance
High salaries reflect expectations for standout performances in critical matches. At PSG, players like Achraf Hakimi and Lucas Hernández, both earning €13.2 million annually, anchor the defense. Gianluigi Donnarumma, with €12.7 million, is among the world’s best goalkeepers, making key saves in the tournament. For Inter, Nicolò Barella, earning €12 million, and Hakan Calhanoglu, with €11.1 million, form a robust midfield capable of dictating the game’s tempo.
- Achraf Hakimi: €13.2 million, PSG’s right-back.
- Lucas Hernández: €13.2 million, versatile defender.
- Nicolò Barella: €12 million, Inter’s midfield linchpin.
- Hakan Calhanoglu: €11.1 million, midfield orchestrator.
Young talents and veterans
The final highlights a blend of youth and experience. PSG’s Zaire-Emery, only 19, earns €11.4 million annually and is a regular starter. His midfield prowess has drawn comparisons to club legends. At Inter, Barella, 28, represents Italy’s new generation, while Calhanoglu, 31, brings experience from top clubs.
The balance between young and veteran players defines both teams. PSG banks on Kvaratskhelia, 24, to lead the attack in the future. Inter relies on Martínez, 27, to sustain competitiveness long-term.
Investments beyond salaries
Beyond wages, PSG and Inter invest in infrastructure and transfers. PSG spent over €200 million on signings in the 2024/2025 season, including Kvaratskhelia. Inter, with a tighter budget, prioritized strategic renewals, such as Martínez’s contract extension to 2029.
Both clubs benefit from sponsorships and broadcasting rights. The Champions League final, broadcast to over 200 countries, generates significant revenue. The UEFA prize for the winner could exceed €20 million, plus performance bonuses.
- PSG: Over €200 million in transfers.
- Inter: Focus on contract renewals.
- UEFA: Prize money surpassing €20 million for the champion.
Road to the final
PSG faced a challenging campaign. After finishing second in their group, they eliminated Manchester City in the round of 16, Dortmund in the quarterfinals, and Bayern in the semifinals. Inter, group leaders, defeated Atlético de Madrid, Arsenal, and Real Madrid. Both teams displayed defensive solidity and attacking flair, with Dembélé and Martínez as their top scorers.
The coaches played vital roles. PSG’s Luis Enrique implemented an attacking style, while Inter’s Simone Inzaghi emphasized defensive resilience. Their strategies will face off in the final, with each aiming to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.
Competition numbers
The 2024/2025 Champions League set records for attendance and viewership. Over 2.5 million fans attended matches up to the semifinals, and the Munich final is expected to draw around 75,000 spectators. The tournament generated over €500 million in revenue for participating clubs, per UEFA data.
- Attendance: 2.5 million fans up to the semifinals.
- Final: Approximately 75,000 expected spectators.
- Revenue: Over €500 million for clubs.
The stage for the showdown
Munich’s Allianz Arena, one of Europe’s most iconic stadiums, hosts the final. With a 75,000-seat capacity, it previously staged memorable finals, like Chelsea’s 2012 victory. The 2025 final marks the first Champions League title clash between PSG and Inter. Munich anticipates over 100,000 tourists, boosting the local economy.
Enhanced security measures are in place, with German authorities deploying over 2,000 police officers. The UEFA, in collaboration with the city, set up fan zones with large screens and cultural activities for supporters.
Match expectations
The final promises a balanced duel. PSG’s fast-paced attack relies on Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia to breach Inter’s defense. Inter, known for tactical discipline, banks on Martínez and Barella to pull off an upset. The match will be officiated by English referee Anthony Taylor, with an international VAR team.
Tickets sold out in under 24 hours, with prices ranging from €200 to €2,000. The game will be broadcast live on over 100 platforms, including TV channels and streaming services. Global viewership is expected to exceed 400 million, underscoring the Champions League’s global reach.
