On May 31, 2025, Desire Doue, just 19 years old, made soccer history by scoring twice in Paris Saint-Germain’s (PSG) 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League final at Allianz Arena in Munich. This remarkable performance not only led PSG to their inaugural Champions League title but also crowned him as the youngest player to score and provide an assist in a final match in the tournament’s history.
Having celebrated his 19th birthday shortly before the final, Doue opened the scoring in the 20th minute after assisting Achraf Hakimi’s goal just eight minutes earlier. He netted again in the 63rd minute, solidifying the lead with a deflected shot that highlighted his poise under pressure. Late goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and 19-year-old substitute Senny Mayulu secured PSG’s record-winning victory in a Champions League final.
At age 19 years and 362 days old, Doue became the third-youngest player to score in a Champions League final, following Patrick Kluivert (18 years and 327 days, Ajax, 1995) and Carlos Alberto (19 years and 167 days, Porto, 2004). His dual achievement of scoring and assisting set a new record for the youngest player to do both in a final, a milestone celebrated across soccer networks. Social media posts expressed the enthusiasm, referring to him as a “starboy” and applauding his “historical” performance.
Doue’s rapid ascent in the sport is remarkable. As a product of PSG’s youth academy, he exemplifies the club’s shift towards developing young talent rather than relying solely on established stars. His performance in Munich capped a standout season for PSG, who had already clinched the Ligue 1 title by a substantial 19-point margin and won the French Cup. Under manager Luis Enrique, PSG’s strategy of quick strikes—scoring nine goals within the first 20 minutes of their Champions League knockout matches—was critical, with Doue playing a key role in breaking down Inter Milan’s defense.
Despite a strong season spearheaded by captain Lautaro Martínez, Inter struggled to respond effectively. Martínez, who had scored nine goals in the tournament, was unable to find the net, and the team’s defense faltered under PSG’s relentless attack. Unused to playing from behind, having trailed for only 16 minutes throughout the competition prior to the final, Inter found themselves vulnerable to PSG’s lethal counter-attacks.
Doue’s emergence signals a promising future for both PSG and French soccer. His skill, often likened to that of Neymar, has received acclaim, though some critics on social media previously noted his imitation of his idol’s style. However, his stunning performance in the Champions League final silenced any skepticism, showcasing his potential as a future superstar. While PSG celebrated their long-awaited European victory, all eyes are now on Doue, a young talent who transformed a dream setting into an unforgettable breakout moment.