Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to face off on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich for the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final. This highly anticipated match will decide which club claims the season`s most prestigious trophy. Inter makes their second final appearance in just three seasons, having been defeated 1-0 by Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City in the 2023 final. They are seeking their fourth Champions League title, with their last triumph occurring in 2010 under Jose Mourinho, completing a historic treble season. PSG, on the other hand, is still chasing their first-ever Champions League victory. This will be their second time reaching the final, their previous attempt resulting in a 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in 2020, decided by a goal from Kingsley Coman.
The team managed by Luis Enrique secured their place in the final by overcoming Arsenal in the two-legged semifinal. The French giants earned a 1-0 victory in the first leg held in London and clinched their spot by winning the return leg in Paris 2-1 on Wednesday, thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and former Inter winger Achraf Hakimi. Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi`s Inter managed to eliminate Barcelona in the semifinals, following a victory over Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Inter`s semifinal tie against Barcelona was particularly memorable and considered one of the greatest in Champions League history, culminating in a dramatic 4-3 win in the second leg after an exciting 3-3 draw in Barcelona in the first game, with Davide Frattesi scoring the decisive goal. Both finalists possess squads brimming with talent, featuring players who have the potential to single-handedly influence the outcome of the final at any moment. Let`s examine the top five players expected to play pivotal roles in this season`s Champions League final:
5. GK Yann Sommer, Inter
Selecting the top goalkeeper was challenging, especially considering the remarkable performances of PSG`s Gianluigi Donnarumma throughout the tournament, notably against Liverpool and Aston Villa. However, Yann Sommer has been truly exceptional, particularly impressing in the first leg against Arsenal and delivering outstanding displays against Barcelona in the two-legged semifinals. The Swiss goalkeeper`s crucial saves, especially the remarkable stop against Lamine Yamal in the second leg played in Milan, demonstrated exactly why Inter signed him in the summer of 2023 as the replacement for Andre Onana. His consistent form and big-game saves have been vital to Inter`s run.
4. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
The dynamic PSG right-back previously played for Inter during the 2020-21 season under Antonio Conte. His impact in Serie A was significant, contributing greatly to the Nerazzurri winning their first Scudetto in 11 years. Following that season, PSG signed him in the summer of 2021 for approximately $70 million including add-ons. After his departure, Inter brought in Denzel Dumfries as a replacement, who has developed considerably, now approaching Hakimi`s level, but arguably not quite reaching it yet. The Moroccan international is widely regarded as one of the world`s premier full-backs. He now has the opportunity to potentially lift the Champions League trophy against his former club and teammates, having already scored the decisive goal in the semifinal tie against Arsenal in Paris.
3. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
The Inter captain has enjoyed an incredible season, building on his strong performance last year which saw him finish seventh in the Ballon d`Or voting. Winning the Champions League is the only major trophy missing from his illustrious career so far. His quick recovery and return to the starting lineup for the second leg of the semifinals against Barcelona, just six days after suffering a muscular injury in the first leg, underscore his determination to achieve this goal. Compared to the 2023 final where he partnered Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, his current partnership with Marcus Thuram has seemingly elevated his goal-scoring record and overall performance this season.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s transfer to PSG stands out as arguably the best signing of the 2025 January transfer window and potentially one of the most impactful mid-season transfers ever. The former Napoli winger has quickly proven his immense talent in France. Since joining Luis Enrique`s squad, he has registered four goals and six assists, but more importantly, he has consistently showcased his individual brilliance and rapidly secured a starting position in the team. He is arguably the most naturally gifted player featuring in the final and represents the primary threat for moments of individual magic.
1. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
Paris Saint-Germain appears to be a different team when Ousmane Dembele is on the pitch and in form. If the French winger is fully fit and at his best for the 2025 final, Inter will face an extremely difficult challenge containing him, despite successfully handling talented wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the semifinals. His statistics this season have been remarkable, with 33 goals and 13 assists across 44 games in all competitions, averaging a goal every 92 minutes played. Winning the Champions League final on May 31st could potentially position him as a future Ballon d`Or contender.
