The international press applauds Paris Saint-Germain’s win

Men's football•

Paris Saint-Germain’s victory over Arsenal on penalties (1–1, 4–3) at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest has sparked a wave of enthusiastic reactions in the international press. From France to the Americas, from Asia to Europe, the media have unanimously hailed the capital club’s second consecutive European title and highlighted the emergence of a team now firmly established at the pinnacle of European football.

In France, L'Équipe gives a detailed account of the final. “Initially stifled and trailing against a perfectly organised Arsenal side, PSG fought back in the final in Budapest to win a second consecutive Champions League title,” writes the daily, highlighting the maturity shown by the Parisian side. “The Parisians drew on their experience to join the very exclusive circle of clubs capable of retaining their Champions League crown,” adds the newspaper, also highlighting “the composure displayed during the penalty shoot-out”, a symbol of “a calm team confident in its strength”.

In the United States, ESPN highlights PSG’s mental and collective evolution. “PSG simply looked more confident, more mature and more battle-hardened,” notes the American media outlet, which also praises the manager’s work. “Luis Enrique joins the extremely exclusive circle of managers who have won three Champions Leagues,” writes ESPN, before looking to the future: “With a squad whose average age is under 24, Paris looks set to dominate European football for many years to come.”

In Asia, The Korea Times highlights the historic significance of the victory. “Paris has become the first club to win two consecutive European Cups since Real Madrid between 2016 and 2018,” notes the South Korean daily, which also points out the club’s domestic double this season. “This continental title, combined with the domestic league title, confirms the definitive emergence of a legendary club,” the newspaper concludes.

In Georgia, Pravda Georgia highlights Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s performance. “Brought down in the box, Kvaratskhelia won the penalty that led to the equaliser, a real turning point in the match,” writes the publication, before summing up the national excitement: “The whole of Georgia is celebrating its two-time European champion.”

Across the Atlantic, El Universo praises Willian Pacho’s performance. “A pillar of the Parisian defence, Willian Pacho played a central role in this latest European triumph,” writes the Ecuadorian daily, which also highlights the historic milestone achieved by the club. “Luis Enrique joins Zidane, Guardiola and Paisley among the coaches who have won the European Cup three times,” the newspaper notes.

In Portugal, A Bola is hailing Vitinha’s performance, having been named man of the match. “Vitinha dominated the midfield with impressive authority,” notes the Lisbon-based daily, adding that “his 141 successful passes out of 151 attempts illustrate his total influence on the match” and confirm “his status as one of the most important midfielders in European football”.

In Spain, Marca highlights the historic turning point reached by the Parisian club. “Luis Enrique has transformed PSG,” states the Madrid-based daily, before concluding emphatically: “This team is ready to build a real European dynasty.”

Finally, in the UK, The Guardian analyses the symbolic significance of this victory. “For Paris Saint-Germain, this final was an opportunity to clearly assert its status as a dynasty,” a recognition made all the more significant by the fact that it comes from the home country of the defeated finalist.

The international press applauds Paris Saint-Germain’s win

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