Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to clash on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, vying for Europe`s most prestigious club trophy. This marks Inter`s second final appearance in three seasons, having been defeated 1-0 by Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City in the 2023 final. They now seek their fourth Champions League title, their last victory coming in 2010 under Jose Mourinho during their historic treble-winning campaign. PSG, still pursuing their maiden Champions League triumph, reach the final for the second time, their previous attempt ending in a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in 2020, sealed by Kingsley Coman`s goal.
Luis Enrique`s PSG side secured their spot in the final by overcoming Arsenal in the two-legged semi-finals, following a 1-0 win in London with a 2-1 victory in the Paris return leg, thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and former Inter player Achraf Hakimi. Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi`s Inter navigated a memorable semi-final against Barcelona, having eliminated Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals. Inter ultimately advanced with a thrilling 4-3 second-leg win after a 3-3 draw in Barcelona in the first leg, Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal. Both finalists boast squads brimming with talent capable of influencing the game`s outcome. Here, we highlight five key players expected to feature prominently in this season`s Champions League final:
5. GK Yann Sommer, Inter
Selecting the top goalkeeper was challenging, given Gianluigi Donnarumma`s notable performances for PSG (against hypothetical future opponents like Liverpool and Aston Villa, reflecting the original text`s structure). However, Yann Sommer has been consistently impressive. While strong in the first leg against Arsenal (again, based on the original text`s narrative), the Swiss international truly excelled in the semi-finals against Barcelona, demonstrating his status as one of Europe`s premier keepers. His spectacular saves, including a crucial stop against Lamine Yamal in the second leg at San Siro, underscore why Inter brought him in during the summer of 2023 to replace Andre Onana.
4. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
Achraf Hakimi previously played for Inter during the 2020-21 season under Antonio Conte, where his exceptional impact in Serie A was instrumental in securing the Nerazzurri`s first Scudetto in 11 years. PSG subsequently signed him in the summer of 2021 for approximately $70 million plus add-ons. Although Inter brought in Denzel Dumfries as his replacement, who has significantly improved, Hakimi remains arguably operating at a slightly higher level. The Moroccan international is widely regarded as one of the world`s elite players. Facing his former club in the final adds a compelling narrative, especially after he scored the decisive goal in PSG`s semi-final triumph over Arsenal.
3. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
Inter`s captain, Lautaro Martinez, has been in sensational form, building on the performances that earned him seventh place in the previous year`s Ballon d`Or voting. The Champions League represents the only major trophy missing from his career collection, and his commitment is evident – demonstrated by his rapid recovery from injury to feature prominently in the semi-final second leg against Barcelona. His partnership with new teammate Marcus Thuram has been particularly fruitful, contributing to his improved goal tally and overall performance compared to the 2023 final when he played alongside Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s arrival at PSG stands out as arguably the most significant transfer of the 2025 January window, and potentially one of the most impactful winter signings ever. The former Napoli winger rapidly showcased his abilities in France, quickly establishing himself in Luis Enrique`s starting lineup. While contributing four goals and six assists since his move, his main impact lies in his sheer talent and match-winning potential. He is anticipated to be the most gifted individual player on the pitch in the final, a true difference-maker capable of moments of individual brilliance.
1. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
Ousmane Dembele`s presence transforms PSG`s attack. If the French winger is fully fit and in peak form for the 2025 final, he presents an immense challenge for Inter`s defense, even given their experience facing talented wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the semi-finals. His statistics heading into the final are remarkable, with (referencing the provided stats) 33 goals and 13 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions, averaging a goal every 92 minutes. Should PSG lift the trophy on May 31st, Dembele`s performance could solidify his candidacy for the Ballon d`Or.
