Désiré Doué Crowned 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season After Historic Final Heroics

In a season that will be remembered for the emergence of a new footballing star, Paris Saint-Germain’s Désiré Doué has officially been crowned the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season.

Selected by the UEFA Technical Observer Group, the 19-year-old dazzled fans and critics alike with a string of explosive performances — none more so than his unforgettable display in the final against Inter Milan. With brilliance, maturity beyond his years, and moments of sheer magic, Doué not only lifted silverware with PSG but also cemented his place among football’s rising elite.

A Meteoric Rise Under European Spotlight

Few players have taken the Champions League stage by storm quite like Doué. While his potential was evident in the early group fixtures — particularly after his goal away to Salzburg — it was in the high-stakes knockout rounds that he truly came alive. He struck crucial goals at the Parc des Princes against Brest and Aston Villa, playing a pivotal role in PSG’s progression. However, it was his heroic performance in the final that defined his campaign.

Final Glory: A Night to Remember

Facing a formidable Inter Milan side in the 2024/25 Champions League final, Doué etched his name into history with a performance for the ages. The teenager set the tone early by assisting Achraf Hakimi’s opener, before netting two clinical goals himself — making him the first-ever teenager to score twice in a Champions League final. His display earned him the coveted Player of the Match award.

“Doué has been a revelation this season,” declared the UEFA Technical Observer Group. “He made an incredible breakthrough in the knockout phase, going to the final and producing a Player of the Match performance on Saturday night, becoming the first teenager to score twice in a final. It’s great to have role models who can encourage other young players to shine in the future.”

Désiré Doué’s 2024/25 Champions League Statistics

His statistical output reinforces the impact he had across the tournament:

• Appearances: 16
• Minutes Played: 742
• Goals: 5
• Assists: 5
• Distance Covered: 91.2 km
• Top Speed: 33.83 km/h

These numbers underline Doué’s work rate, efficiency, and attacking contribution. Averaging a goal or assist every 74 minutes, he combined end product with relentless running and acceleration, making him a nightmare for defenders.

Overcoming World-Class Competition

In a campaign brimming with young talent, Doué’s impact stood out even among the best. He edged out Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal to clinch the prestigious title, with both prodigies earning a spot in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season. Though comparisons will continue, it was Doué who delivered when it mattered most — in the season’s biggest match.

From Dream to Reality: Doué Reflects on Triumph

Overwhelmed by emotion after lifting the trophy, Doué shared heartfelt thoughts on what the triumph meant to him and his team. “I can’t believe what happened: we made history for the club in French football, in European football,” he said.

“It was a great season. We’re a great team collectively, and we showed it. I still have to realise that we won the Champions League and rewrote the history of this club. It’s just magnificent.” These words encapsulate the essence of PSG’s journey — and of Doué’s transformative influence on it.

Legacy in the Making

At just 19, Doué’s performances have sparked comparisons to some of the sport’s greats. But more importantly, his rise serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the globe. In an era where youthful talent is being fast-tracked to the elite level, Doué has proven that preparation, confidence, and composure can converge spectacularly under pressure.

His contribution this season wasn’t just about goals and assists. It was about being the spark in PSG’s attacking engine, a fearless presence against Europe’s finest, and a symbol of the club’s long-term vision coming to fruition.

Read More: PSG Reign as UEFA Unveils 2024/25 Champions League Team of the Season

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