Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to face off on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich in the final of the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League, vying for the most coveted trophy in European club football. This marks Inter`s second final appearance in three seasons, having lost the 2023 final 1-0 to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City. The Nerazzurri are now aiming for their fourth Champions League title, with their last triumph dating back to 2010 under Jose Mourinho during their historic treble-winning campaign. PSG, on the other hand, are still searching for their first Champions League crown. This will be their second final, following a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the 2020 edition, decided by Kingsley Coman`s goal.
Luis Enrique`s side secured their spot in the final by overcoming Arsenal in the two-legged semifinals. The French giants won the first leg 1-0 in London and clinched qualification with a 2-1 victory in the return leg in Paris, thanks to goals from Fabian Ruiz and former Inter winger Achraf Hakimi. Meanwhile, Simone Inzaghi`s Inter reached the final after eliminating Barcelona in the semifinals, following their quarterfinal win against Bayern Munich. The tie against Barcelona proved to be one of the most memorable in Champions League history, with Inter eventually winning the return leg 4-3 in Milan (with Davide Frattesi scoring the winner) after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg in Barcelona. Both teams boast an abundance of talent capable of deciding the final, but let`s highlight the top five players expected to make the biggest impact in this season`s Champions League showpiece.
How to Watch the Champions League Final
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
5. GK Yann Sommer, Inter
Selecting the best goalkeeper was challenging, particularly given the exceptional performances of PSG`s Gianluigi Donnarumma throughout the tournament. However, Yann Sommer has been remarkably impressive, especially in the semifinal clashes against Barcelona. His crucial saves across both legs, including a memorable stop on Lamine Yamal in the second leg at San Siro, underscored why Inter opted to sign the Swiss international in the summer of 2023 as Andre Onana`s replacement. Sommer has proven himself as one of Europe`s top custodians.
4. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
Achraf Hakimi previously played for Inter during the 2020-21 season under Antonio Conte, making a significant impact in Serie A and helping the Nerazzurri secure their first Scudetto in 11 years. PSG signed him in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of around $70 million including add-ons. While Inter replaced him with Denzel Dumfries, who has improved considerably, Hakimi is widely regarded as one of the premier players globally in his position. Facing his former club, he has the opportunity to lift the trophy, having already scored the crucial goal that sealed PSG`s semifinal victory against Arsenal in Paris.
3. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
Inter`s captain has enjoyed an outstanding season, building on his form that saw him ranked seventh in the Ballon d`Or voting last year. The Champions League is one of the few major trophies still missing from his collection. His rapid recovery from a muscular injury sustained in the first leg against Barcelona, starting just six days later for the return leg, highlighted his immense desire to win this competition. Compared to the 2023 final where he partnered Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku, his current strike partner, Marcus Thuram, has seemingly helped elevate Martinez`s goalscoring record and overall performance this season.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s move to PSG in the January 2025 transfer window was arguably the best signing of that period and potentially one of the finest mid-season acquisitions ever made. The former Napoli winger quickly adapted and proved his quality in France. Since joining Luis Enrique`s squad, he has contributed significantly with goals and assists and rapidly earned a place in the starting lineup. Kvaratskhelia stands out as perhaps the most individually talented player who will feature in the final, making him a key player to watch for moments of brilliance.
1. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
There`s a noticeable difference in PSG`s attack when Ousmane Dembele is on the pitch. If the French winger is fully fit and in top form for the 2025 final, Inter will face a formidable challenge containing him, even having dealt with talented wingers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the semifinals. His statistics this season have been remarkable, with an impressive tally of goals and assists across all competitions, demonstrating a high frequency of goal involvement per minute played over 44 appearances. With a Champions League winner`s medal, Dembele would solidify his status as a potential future Ballon d`Or contender.
