On the eve of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 final, set for May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Paris Saint-Germain’s attacker Ousmane Dembélé spoke about the absence of Kylian Mbappé, his former teammate who moved to Real Madrid. In a press conference, the number 10 highlighted the French club’s new phase as they face Inter Milan at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) in pursuit of their first European title. With 33 goals and 12 assists this season, Dembélé has taken on a starring role for PSG under Luis Enrique, repositioned as a false 9. The match represents a chance to solidify the club’s transformation post-Mbappé, with the player focused on the team and the dream of lifting the trophy.
The 2024/25 season marked a turning point for Paris Saint-Germain. After years in the shadow of stars like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé, the French club found an unexpected leader in Dembélé. The final against Inter Milan is not only an opportunity to win an unprecedented title but also to establish a new tactical and collective identity.
- Dembélé’s prominence: The French attacker scored 33 goals in 48 matches, surpassing his previous career highs.
- Tactical shift: Luis Enrique repositioned the player as a false 9, leveraging his speed and finishing ability.
- Mbappé’s absence: The departure of the former number 7 opened space for Dembélé to assume offensive leadership at PSG.
The clash in Munich promises to be a milestone for the club, which has invested over $1 billion in signings since 2011 under Qatar Sports Investments.
Football is a game of inches. This team fights for every inch. pic.twitter.com/qX4Bw3I2gZ
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 30, 2025
New era in Paris
Kylian Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid in June 2024 raised questions about PSG’s future. For seven years, Mbappé was the club’s main star, scoring 256 goals in 308 matches. His transfer, completed without a fee after his contract expired, marked the end of an era reliant on major stars. Dembélé, who joined the club in 2023 for 50 million euros, initially struggled to shine, scoring only six goals in his first season.
This season, however, the Frenchman found his footing. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, the attacker shifted to a more central role, moving away from the right wing. The tactical change allowed Dembélé to exploit his speed and skill in tight spaces, resulting in an average of 0.89 goals per game. In an interview, the player credited the coach’s confidence as a key factor in his growth.
Journey to the final
PSG reached the Champions League final after a campaign filled with challenges and moments of resilience. In the group stage, the club faced opponents like Manchester City and Bayern Munich, with Dembélé scoring decisive goals. In the knockout rounds, the team eliminated Liverpool, Borussia Dortmund, and Arsenal, with standout performances from the number 10.
- Group stage: Dembélé scored against Bayern and Manchester City, securing qualification.
- Round of 16: PSG overcame Liverpool at Anfield, with a Dembélé goal in extra time.
- Quarterfinals and semifinals: Victories against Dortmund and Arsenal established the Frenchman as the team’s top scorer in the competition, with eight goals.
The European campaign reflects the squad’s renewed mindset, which, according to Dembélé, shifted after Mbappé’s departure. The collective focus and tactical discipline instilled by Luis Enrique were critical to their success.
Dembélé versus Inter Milan
The final against Inter Milan pits Dembélé against a resilient opponent led by Argentine Lautaro Martínez. The Italian team, managed by Oaktree Capital Management, relies on a sustainable financial model, contrasting with PSG’s heavy investments. The match will be officiated by Romanian István Kovács, the first referee from his country to oversee a Champions League final.
Dembélé, with his ability to unsettle defenses, is PSG’s primary weapon. His capacity to create plays and finish at high speed will be tested against Italy’s solid defense. The player previously faced Inter while at Barcelona, scoring in a 2-0 victory in 2018.
Preparation for the Club World Cup
Regardless of the final’s outcome, PSG is already set for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, to be held in the United States starting in June. The club debuts against Atlético Madrid on June 15 at 4:00 p.m. (Brasília time) and faces Botafogo on June 19 at 10:00 p.m. Dembélé expressed excitement about the tournament, highlighting the chance to play for American fans.
- Club World Cup opponents: Atlético Madrid, Botafogo, and Al-Hilal are in PSG’s group.
- Dembélé’s expectations: The player sees the tournament as an opportunity to cap a historic season.
- Global reach: The Club World Cup will be broadcast by DAZN, with a large expected audience.
The competition offers a new stage for Dembélé, who could draw even more attention if he maintains his current form.
Dembélé’s personal transformation
Dembélé’s rise in the 2024/25 season extends beyond the pitch. After years of criticism for injuries and alleged lack of professionalism at Barcelona, the player underwent a significant transformation. A serious injury in 2019 prompted him to invest in physical preparation and discipline. French journalists now view Dembélé as a model of dedication, with extra training sessions and health-focused routines.
His relationship with Luis Enrique was also pivotal. After a disciplinary issue in October 2024, when he was dropped for a match against Arsenal, the player had a candid conversation with the coach. Since then, he has become a central figure in PSG’s tactical setup, delivering consistent performances and impressive stats.
Impressive numbers
Dembélé’s season is defined by statistics that place him among Europe’s top attackers. With 33 goals and 12 assists in 48 matches, he outperforms names like Robert Lewandowski and Harry Kane in efficiency. In the Champions League, his eight goals and six assists rank him among the competition’s leaders.
- Ligue 1: 21 goals in 26 matches, topping the league’s scoring charts.
- Champions League: Eight goals in 10 matches, including a hat-trick against Stuttgart.
- Assists: 12 goal-creating passes, showcasing attacking versatility.
- Efficiency: An average of 0.89 goals per game, his career best.
These figures position Dembélé as a contender for the world’s best player award, though he remains focused on team goals.
Fan expectations
The Champions League final has galvanized PSG fans, who sold out tickets for the match in hours, according to UEFA. In Paris, giant screens have been set up in public squares to broadcast the game, and the city government is planning celebrations if the club wins. Supporters see Dembélé as the key to fulfilling a long-held dream, especially after the 2020 runner-up finish.
Fans also acknowledge Mbappé’s absence. On social media, many note that PSG has become a more balanced team, with Dembélé as the symbol of this new phase. The hashtag #DembéléPSG has gained traction among French and international supporters.
Financial stakes of the final
The Champions League final carries significant financial implications. The winner will earn around 20 million euros in prize money, plus additional revenue from sponsorships and ticket sales. For PSG, a title would strengthen its global brand, with stores in cities like New York and Miami. For Inter, a victory would bolster a financial recovery project started by Oaktree.
- PSG’s investments: Over $1 billion in signings since 2011.
- Inter’s management: A sustainable model focused on resource optimization.
- Economic impact: The final attracts millions of viewers, generating revenue for UEFA and the clubs.
The matchup highlights the intersection of football, finance, and global strategies, with Dembélé at the forefront.
Head-to-head history
PSG and Inter Milan have faced each other in European competitions, with a balanced record. In 2018, during the Champions League group stage, PSG won 2-0, with Dembélé scoring. In recent friendlies, Inter prevailed, winning 1-0 in 2023. The 2025 final, however, is the first decisive encounter between the teams, heightening anticipation.
Dembélé, with his experience in big matches, will be crucial in tipping the scales. His speed and finishing ability will face a defense that has conceded only five goals in the competition.
