PSG’s Champions League hero Doue says ‘dream becomes reality’

PSG's Desire Doue holds the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on May 31, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 01 June 2025
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PSG’s Champions League hero Doue says ‘dream becomes reality’

  • The 19-year-old lit up scored twice and provided an assist as PSG routed Inter Milan 5-0
  • German police have to hold back PSG fans as they tried to rush the field

MUNICH, Germany: Paris Saint-Germain’s double goal-scoring hero Desire Doue said “a dream has become reality” after Saturday’s Champions League triumph.
The 19-year-old lit up Munich’s Allianz Arena, scoring twice and providing an assist as PSG routed Inter Milan 5-0.
“I don’t have the words,” said the French teenager.




Paris Saint-Germain's Desire Doue, right, scores his side's third goal. (AP)

“Thanks to the Parc (des Princes, PSG’s home stadium), thanks Paris.
“A dream has become reality. It’s just magnificent. It’s crazy, I’m so happy.
“It’s just the beginning.”
PSG have been guided to the continental crown for the first time in their history by Spanish coach Luis Enrique.
“It’s time to have a big party,” said Luis Enrique, who also won the Champions League with Barcelona 10 years ago.
“We have to make the most of this moment,” added the 55-year-old.
“I feel this connection with the players and the supporters, it’s very strong. It’s a great moment, we deserve it. We managed to control the tension.”




PSG players celebrate with the trophy after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (AP)

Unruly fans held back

Thousands of euphoric PSG fans had to be held back by a line of police they tried to rush the field in jubilation.
Police lined up in front of the PSG end of the Allianz Arena stadium at the final whistle but struggled to contain the fans for several minutes when they came down from the stands following the trophy presentation.
They did eventually manage to force them back into the stands, and PSG players had already headed back to the locker room, appearing to cut short celebrations in front of their supporters.
Players eventually made their way back to the field with the trophy after order was restored.
PSG fans dominated the occasion, drowning out Inter supporters, many of whom had left long before the final whistle after seeing their team blown away by the French champion.


King Fahd Stadium to host 2027 Asian Cup final

Updated 02 March 2026
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King Fahd Stadium to host 2027 Asian Cup final

  • Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece

KUALA LUMPUR: Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of next year’s Asian Cup, officials announced Monday, the football showpiece seen as a precursor for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia was awarded the World Cup but first will host the Asian Cup from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027.

“The King Fahd Sports City Stadium ... will provide the backdrop for both the eagerly anticipated final as well as the opening match, featuring hosts and three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia,” the AFC said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.

The 70,000-plus venue in Riyadh will also host four group stage battles, a round of 16 tie and a quarterfinal match before the final in early February, the AFC added.

Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece.

Asian Cup matches will also be played in Jeddah and Alkhobar.

Match pairings and kickoff times will be confirmed at the AFC’s final draw on April 11 in Riyadh, the AFC said.

Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, staged and won the Asian Cup two years ago.

The tournament was supposed to take place in China in 2023, but was moved out of the country because of the country’s COVID policies at the time.