Luis Enrique’s side arrived in Hungary with one mission: defend their European crown. The Spaniard had set an ambitious target after last year’s triumph—back-to-back titles—and his players delivered in style. Even after falling behind to Kai Havertz’s early strike, the Parisians showed resilience, equalizing through Ousmane Dembélé’s 65th-minute penalty before sealing victory in a nerve-shredding shootout.

The triumph in Budapest marks PSG’s second consecutive Champions League title, a milestone achieved only once before in the modern era by Real Madrid (2016-2018). For a club that had never previously won Europe’s elite competition, this back-to-back achievement cements their place among the continent’s elite.

Luis Enrique’s tactical acumen and man-management have been pivotal. Despite a turbulent domestic season—where they narrowly edged out RC Lens to secure the Ligue 1 title—Paris navigated a grueling Champions League campaign with composure. Their journey included a dramatic semi-final victory over Bayern Munich (5-4 aggregate), a comprehensive demolition of Chelsea (5-2) and Liverpool (4-0), and a dogged display against the German giants.

The architect behind the dynasty

Since taking charge three years ago, Luis Enrique has instilled a winning mentality at Parc des Princes. His side’s mental fortitude was evident in Budapest, where they overcame adversity to claim back-to-back glory. The victory also underscores PSG’s evolution from perennial underachievers to a team capable of dominating Europe’s elite.

The road to Budapest was anything but smooth. A truncated pre-season due to the FIFA Club World Cup, a spate of injuries, and a dramatic playoff against a seeded opponent tested their resolve. Yet, once through that hurdle, Paris reverted to their dominant form, displaying the ruthless efficiency of a defending champion.

Dembélé and Kvaratskhelia: the dynamic duo

Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, instrumental in Munich last year, once again led the line in Hungary. Though neither delivered a flawless final, their contributions throughout the campaign were undeniable. Dembélé, despite battling recurrent injuries, maintained his high standards—seven goals and two assists in 12 Champions League matches, alongside 10 goals and seven assists in Ligue 1, where he was crowned Ballon d’Or winner for the second straight year.

Kvaratskhelia, the Ballon d’Or runner-up, was equally influential. His 10 goals and six assists in 15 Champions League games, including a crucial double against Chelsea, proved decisive. The Georgian’s impact off the bench against the Blues, where he scored twice to turn the tie, highlighted his knack for rising to the occasion.

Yet, PSG’s success extends beyond individual brilliance. Their collective strength has been the cornerstone of this era, with every player buying into Enrique’s philosophy. From Marquinhos’ leadership at the back to Vitinha’s creativity in midfield, the squad’s cohesion has been unmatched.

As the champagne flowed in Budapest, one thing was clear: Paris Saint-Germain are no longer chasing history—they are writing it.