Désiré Doué Crowned 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season

In a historic moment for Paris Saint-Germain and European football, 19-year-old French sensation Désiré Doué has been named the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season. The announcement, made by UEFA on June 1, 2025, celebrates Doué’s remarkable contributions during the campaign, culminating in a dazzling performance in the Champions League final that solidified his status as one of football’s brightest young talents.

Doué, a versatile attacking midfielder, played a pivotal role in PSG’s journey to their first-ever Champions League title. The Parisian club defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the final on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with Doué stealing the spotlight. The teenager scored twice and provided an assist, earning the Man of the Match award. His performance made him the youngest player in history to both score and assist in a Champions League final, a testament to his composure and skill on the grandest stage.

Born on June 3, 2005, in Angers, France, Doué rose through the ranks of Stade Rennais before joining PSG in the summer of 2024 for a reported €50 million. His seamless transition to the French capital saw him become a regular starter under manager Luis Enrique, who praised Doué’s “fearless creativity and relentless work rate.” Throughout the 2024/25 Champions League campaign, Doué appeared in 12 matches, scoring four goals and providing three assists. His ability to operate as a winger, attacking midfielder, or even a deeper playmaker showcased his versatility and footballing intelligence.

Doué’s standout moments were not limited to the final. In the group stage, he scored a stunning long-range goal against Bayern Munich, earning widespread acclaim. He also provided a crucial assist in the quarter-final second leg against Manchester City, helping PSG secure a 3-2 aggregate victory. His performances were characterized by deft dribbling, precise passing, and a knack for decisive contributions, earning him admiration from fans and pundits alike.

The UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season award, voted on by a panel of UEFA technical observers and select journalists, recognizes players under 21 who demonstrate exceptional impact. Doué edged out other notable contenders, including Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, to claim the honor. UEFA’s technical report highlighted Doué’s “ability to influence high-stakes matches with maturity beyond his years” and his “unique blend of technical flair and tactical discipline.”

In his acceptance speech, Doué expressed gratitude to his teammates, coaches, and family. “This award means so much to me, but it’s a reflection of the team’s success,” he said. “Winning the Champions League with PSG, my hometown club, is a dream come true. I’m just getting started.” His comments reflect the humility and ambition that have endeared him to fans.

PSG’s triumph in the 2024/25 Champions League marked a turning point for the club, which had long chased European glory. Doué’s emergence as a key figure in their success signals a bright future for both club and player. Off the pitch, his marketability has soared, with endorsements from major brands already rolling in. On the international stage, Doué is expected to be a cornerstone of France’s national team, having earned his first senior cap in September 2024.

As the football world celebrates Désiré Doué’s meteoric rise, the young star remains focused on the future. With his blend of skill, vision, and determination, the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport for years to come.