Paris Saint-Germain finally laid their hands on the Champions League trophy with a thumping 5–0 win over Inter Milan at Wembley — and at the heart of it all was 18-year-old Desire Doue.
The French teenager, who turns 19 on Tuesday, was the star of the final, scoring twice and assisting another to help PSG win their first European crown in sensational style. Bayern Munich, who submitted a €55 million bid for him in 2023, were left watching the show unfold at their own Allianz Arena, where the final was played.
Doue had his heart set on PSG despite interest from Bayern and Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs. PSG met Rennes’ €60 million asking price, and the rest is fast becoming history.
Teen breaks records in final
Doue’s standout display made him the youngest player ever to both score and assist in a Champions League final, according to Goal.com. His performance matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of scoring twice in a final, set in 2014.
He set up Achraf Hakimi for the opener, before curling in a stunning strike from outside the box to make it 2–0. He added another after the break as Inter were swept away.
A history of one-sided scorelines
This wasn’t new territory for Doue. He debuted for PSG in a 6–0 win over Montpellier just days after signing in August 2024. His first Champions League goal came in a 3–0 win at Salzburg, and he starred in a 7–0 rout of Brest, scoring and assisting.
The season began with Doue on the bench behind Bradley Barcola, but he finished with 15 goals and 15 assists in all competitions — a reflection of his meteoric rise.
Roots in Rennes and a footballing family
Born in Angers to an Ivorian father and French mother, Doue joined Rennes’ academy at the age of five. He became the first player born after 2005 to score in Europe’s top five leagues and remains the youngest French player to score in a European competition.
His older brother Guela plays for Strasbourg and Ivory Coast, while cousins Yann Gboho and Marc-Olivier Doue are also professionals.
Neymar the early idol
While Doue admires Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar was his childhood favourite. “As a kid Neymar was always my favourite,” he told TNT. “I’d try to recreate his moves. But I try to be myself on the pitch.”
That creativity and flair have drawn comparisons with his idol, but Luis Enrique has moulded Doue into a more rounded player. “His technical ability, physicality and personality are impressive,” the PSG boss said.
Key goals in key games
Doue’s goals this season were not just plentiful — they were crucial. He scored the winner in PSG’s Ligue 1 title-clinching match and netted the equaliser in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Aston Villa. He also converted the decisive penalty in a comeback against Liverpool at Anfield.
Style of play and maturity
Naturally an attacking midfielder, Doue can play on either wing, deeper in midfield, or as a forward. He’s two-footed, with excellent dribbling, acceleration and passing. According to The Athletic, he ranks among Europe’s elite for ball carrying and successful dribbles.
Former Rennes manager Bruno Genesio praised his intelligence and character: “He’s complete on both feet and already a pro in his head.”
Meme fame and future hype
Doue may avoid Twitter, but his meme of walking backwards with a shoe on his head is popular online. Fans have dubbed him “Ballon Doue,” and Barcelona supporters have already begun the chants of “Come to Barca.”
But for now, he belongs to PSG — and after his Wembley heroics, the future looks very bright indeed.