In a surprising move, coach Luis Enrique has benched goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for the UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham, scheduled for Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Udine, Italy. Paris Saint-Germain’s squad list, released on Tuesday, confirmed the absence of the Italian, a key figure in their Champions League triumph last season. Instead, Lucas Chevalier, recently signed from Lille for 40 million euros, is expected to start in goal. The decision reflects PSG’s renewal strategy amid uncertainties about Donnarumma’s future, with his contract set to expire in 2026. Other key absences, like midfielder João Neves, who is suspended, also mark the match, pitting the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions. Enrique’s call has sparked debate among fans and analysts, eager to see how PSG will fare in one of the season’s first major tests.
Donnarumma’s exclusion wasn’t the only surprise in the squad. Alongside the Italian goalkeeper, PSG will miss midfielder Senny Mayulu and new signing Illia Zabarnyi, who is still adapting to the team. The Super Cup, held at Stadio Friuli, is seen as a chance for the French club to cement their dominance after a historic season, marked by a quadruple (Champions League, Ligue 1, French Cup, and Trophée des Champions).
- Key PSG absences for the final:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma, benched by technical decision.
- João Neves, suspended for two matches after a red card in the Club World Cup.
- Senny Mayulu, out for tactical reasons.
- Illia Zabarnyi, still integrating into the squad.
Tottenham, meanwhile, also face significant absences, including Dejan Kulusevski and the injured James Maddison. The match promises to be a tactical showdown, with Luis Enrique aiming for his first UEFA Super Cup with PSG.
Luis Enrique’s strategy for the final
Benching Donnarumma caught many off guard, especially after his pivotal role in the Champions League, with crucial saves like those against Arsenal in the semifinals. However, opting for Lucas Chevalier signals Enrique’s confidence in a long-term project. The 23-year-old French goalkeeper, a contender for the Yashin Trophy awarded by France Football, is seen as one of Europe’s top prospects. His 40-million-euro transfer (about $43.8 million) underscores PSG’s investment in refreshing their squad.
Enrique, known for his bold tactical approach, seems to be signaling a shift in the team. Donnarumma, who joined PSG in 2021 after starring for Italy in the Euros, has faced occasional criticism for errors in key moments, such as causing an injury to Bayern’s Jamal Musiala in the Club World Cup. The incident in July stirred controversy, with images of Donnarumma in tears on the pitch. Enrique’s decision may hint at plans to offload the Italian, whose contract runs until 2026, to avoid losing him for free.
The Spanish coach, who won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, has emphasized his goal to “chase every title” this season. The Super Cup is the first step toward establishing PSG as Europe’s dominant force after their 2024/25 quadruple. Donnarumma’s absence, however, raises questions about squad cohesion at a critical moment.
Il ne vous reste plus qu’une journée pour tenter de remporter le maillot 25/26 du Paris Saint-Germain !
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) August 12, 2025
Pour participer :
• Cliquez-ici : https://t.co/GtM6rA5ebG
• S’inscrire ou se connecter à son compte Paris Saint-Germain
⚠️ Fin du jeu concours le 13/08/2025 pic.twitter.com/jvjW93kfMG
Impact of João Neves’ absence
Another blow for PSG is the suspension of midfielder João Neves, sent off in the Club World Cup for an incident involving Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella. Neves, a cornerstone of Enrique’s midfield, was vital to PSG’s tactical setup, valued for his versatility and intensity. His two-match ban for violent conduct forces Enrique to turn to alternatives like Warren Zaire-Emery or young Ibrahim Mbaye from the academy.
Neves’ absence could disrupt the midfield, where Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha are expected to start. The trio has been praised for controlling games and creating chances, but losing one of its components will test PSG’s adaptability against a well-organized Tottenham side led by Thomas Frank.
- Midfield options for PSG:
- Warren Zaire-Emery: young star with Ligue 1 experience.
- Ibrahim Mbaye: academy standout, yet to play in major finals.
- Vitinha: expected to take on more creative responsibility.
Lucas Chevalier’s debut in goal
Lucas Chevalier, signed from Lille, is the highlight of the squad list. The goalkeeper, previously scouted by Manchester City and Bayern Munich, joins PSG with the daunting task of replacing one of the world’s best in his position. His debut in a continental final will be a high-stakes test, especially against a Tottenham side featuring new additions like Mohammed Kudus and João Palhinha, on loan from Fulham.
Chevalier shone at Lille with his agility, reflexes, and ability to play out from the back, traits that align with Enrique’s preference for a ball-playing goalkeeper. His start in such a high-profile match will put him under intense scrutiny, with the pressure of filling Donnarumma’s shoes. Matvei Safonov and Renato Marin are the other goalkeeping options, but Chevalier is likely to be the starter.
Tottenham’s setup for the clash
On the Tottenham side, coach Thomas Frank also faces challenges. James Maddison’s anterior cruciate ligament injury is a major setback for the Spurs’ midfield, while Dejan Kulusevski’s absence weakens their attack. Still, Tottenham rely on Mohammed Kudus, formerly of Ajax, to lead the offensive line, supported by João Palhinha, who bolsters their defensive midfield.
The Stadio Friuli clash will be the first official meeting between PSG and Tottenham in the 2025/26 season. The Spurs, Europa League champions, aim to upset the favored PSG, who are navigating a transitional phase with their squad changes. The Super Cup, traditionally contested between the Champions League and Europa League winners, promises a battle of contrasting styles: Enrique’s attacking approach versus Frank’s defensive solidity.
Expectations for the Udine final
The UEFA Super Cup is seen as a benchmark for PSG’s season, as they aim to replicate their 2024/25 success. Enrique’s choice of Chevalier and the exclusion of Donnarumma signal a new chapter for the club, balancing youth and experience. The absences of Neves and uncertainties around Donnarumma add unpredictability, but PSG remain favorites given their star-studded squad and dominant last season.
Tottenham, though, enter as underdogs with upset potential. Under Frank, the team has shown consistency, and signings like Kudus enhance their competitiveness. The globally broadcast match is highly anticipated, with fans and analysts eager to gauge the impact of Enrique’s decisions.
- Factors that could decide the final:
- Lucas Chevalier’s performance in his debut final.
- PSG’s ability to compensate for João Neves in midfield.
- Mohammed Kudus’ impact in Tottenham’s attack.
- Thomas Frank’s tactical approach against Enrique’s offensive style.
Donnarumma’s future at PSG
Donnarumma’s exclusion has reignited speculation about his future. With his contract running until 2026, the Italian goalkeeper is a target for Premier League clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea, seeking a top-tier goalkeeper. His relationship with Enrique, who has previously pointed out his mistakes, appears strained, and Chevalier’s arrival could mark a permanent shift in PSG’s goalkeeping hierarchy.
The Italian, who was emotional after the Musiala incident in the Club World Cup, faces a pivotal moment. His potential departure could bring PSG a significant transfer fee but raises questions about managing a star-heavy squad. For now, fans hope Chevalier’s gamble pays off in the Super Cup.
