PSG coach Luis Enrique. AFP
DOHA: Luis Enrique hailed an “incredible, unforgettable” year after Paris Saint-Germain completed a six-trophy haul in 2025 by lifting the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Doha.
The dramatic penalty shootout victory over Flamengo at a packed Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium, where PSG edged the Brazilian side 2-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, sealed the club’s sixth trophy of the calendar year. The Intercontinental Cup was added to an already glittering haul comprising the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions.
“We’ve made history again,” Luis Enrique said after the win.
“We’ve shown the same mentality throughout this incredible, unforgettable year of 2025. We’re obviously happy for ourselves, for the club and for our supporters. It’s wonderful, we have to keep going.”
PSG were pushed to their limits in a tense final that underlined the competitive edge of the contest.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia broke the deadlock late in the first half, but Flamengo responded after the interval when Jorginho converted from the spot, forcing extra time and eventually penalties after neither side could find a winner.
Under intense pressure, goalkeeper Matvei Safonov emerged as the hero of the shootout, producing four saves to swing the contest PSG’s way and spark jubilant celebrations in front of the travelling supporters. His performance capped another composed display from a side that has repeatedly found solutions in the biggest moments throughout the year.
For coach Enrique, the success was as much about unity as silverware, with the connection between players and supporters again evident far from Paris.
“We feel connected to our supporters,” he added. “It’s a connection we feel during every match at the Parc and every away match. Even here in Qatar they were there with us. We’re very happy. We need to rest now. We have one more Coupe de France match left and then a little break over Christmas. I think our team has the right mix of experienced players and young players.”
Vitinha, who converted PSG’s opening penalty in the shootout, echoed his coach’s pride and highlighted the collective effort required to overcome a resilient Flamengo side.
“It’s an incredible feeling,” the midfielder said. “It was a really important final and we won it. It was tough, we worked hard and now we’re very happy. We feel like we’ve done a good job, with a lot of hard work and a bit of luck too, but that’s what we need. Safonov was incredible too.”
The Portugal international also praised the supporters, who once again made their presence felt on the global stage.
“The fans are always there,” Vitinha added. “Even here in Qatar they’re there, they helped us. We were lucky to choose their side for the penalty shoot-out, that’s important, and fortunately everything came together for us to win.”
