The French Champions Trophy, also known as the Trophée des Champions, is an annual football match that pits the winners of Ligue 1 against the Coupe de France champions. This prestigious event serves as a curtain-raiser for the new season and has become a significant fixture in the French football calendar. The 2025 edition took place in Doha, Qatar, where Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced AS Monaco on January 5, 2025. This article delves into the match details, PSG’s journey to victory, and the implications of this win for the club.
The Trophée des Champions holds a unique place in French football. It is not just a trophy; it symbolizes the beginning of a new season and offers teams a chance to claim silverware early in the campaign. For PSG, this match was particularly important as they aimed to extend their dominance in French football by securing their 13th title in this competition.
PSG has been a dominant force in French football over the last decade, winning multiple Ligue 1 titles and domestic cups. Their success in the Trophée des Champions reflects their status as one of France’s premier clubs. The match against Monaco was also significant because it represented a continuation of PSG’s rivalry with Monaco, who have been competitive challengers in recent seasons.
The match took place at Stadium 974 in Doha, a venue that gained international recognition during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite being a neutral ground, it was an exciting atmosphere for fans who traveled to witness this high-stakes encounter.
From the outset, PSG showcased their attacking prowess but struggled to convert opportunities into goals. The first half saw several attempts from key players such as Vitinha and Lee Kang-in, who tested Monaco’s goalkeeper Philipp Koehn with powerful shots. However, Koehn’s performance was commendable, making crucial saves to keep Monaco in the game.
Monaco also posed threats with their counterattacks, testing PSG’s defense. Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s goalkeeper, had to remain vigilant as he dealt with attempts from Maghnes Akliouche and Vanderson.
As the match progressed into the second half, both teams continued to search for that elusive goal. PSG maintained pressure on Monaco’s defense but found it challenging to break through. The game seemed destined for penalties as time ticked away and neither side could find the net.
However, in football, moments of brilliance can change everything. In stoppage time, Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the hero for PSG with a decisive goal that secured their victory.
In the dying moments of the match (the 92nd minute), substitute Fabian Ruiz made a significant impact by receiving the ball down the left flank. He delivered a low cross into the penalty area that found Dembélé unmarked at the back post. With precision and composure, Dembélé slotted home the winner past Koehn, sending PSG fans into jubilation.
This late strike not only clinched the trophy for PSG but also highlighted Dembélé’s importance within the squad and his capacity to perform under pressure.
This victory marked an important milestone for PSG under new head coach Luis Enrique. Having taken over from Christophe Galtier at the start of the season, Enrique aimed to instill a winning mentality and tactical discipline within the squad. Winning the Trophée des Champions serves as an early testament to his managerial capabilities and sets a positive tone for their Ligue 1 campaign.
With this win, PSG further solidified their status as France’s premier football club. Securing their 13th Trophée des Champions title emphasizes their dominance in domestic competitions. This achievement is particularly noteworthy as it marks their third consecutive victory in this tournament.
Winning early-season silverware can provide teams with momentum heading into subsequent competitions. For PSG, this triumph serves as motivation as they look to reclaim their Ligue 1 title and make a deep run in European competitions like UEFA Champions League a tournament where they have faced challenges in recent years.
The atmosphere at Stadium 974 was electric despite not being filled to capacity. Fans from both sides created an exciting environment that showcased their passion for football. PSG supporters celebrated fervently after Dembélé’s goal, while Monaco fans remained hopeful throughout but ultimately left disappointed.
Social media reactions highlighted the significance of Dembélé’s late goal and praised his performance throughout the match. Fans expressed optimism about PSG’s prospects for the rest of the season following this victory.
The 2025 edition of the Trophée des Champions provided thrilling entertainment and reaffirmed Paris Saint-Germain’s position at the pinnacle of French football. Ousmane Dembélé’s stoppage-time winner encapsulated not only his individual brilliance but also PSG’s resilience as they navigated a challenging match against AS Monaco.
As Luis Enrique embarks on his journey with PSG, this victory serves as an essential building block towards achieving greater success both domestically and internationally. For fans and players alike, winning this trophy is just one step on what they hope will be a triumphant season filled with more silverware and memorable moments on and off the pitch.