Doue: PSG's Emerging Superstar Challenging Mbappe's Spotlight

Doue's touch map against Inter in final

In the 2025 UEFA Champions League final, 19-year-old Desire Doue of Paris St-Germain (PSG) scored twice and provided an assist in a 5-0 thrashing of Inter Milan, breaking Eusebio's record as the youngest player to score two goals in a European Cup or Champions League final. Doue, who was born in Angers and is of French-Ivorian descent, had a difficult start at Arsenal earlier in the season but has since matured into a key player under coach Luis Enrique.

Doue's performance in the final was praised by former Premier League winner Chris Sutton, who asked, "Who needs Kylian Mbappe when you've got Desire Doue?" The teenager's standout moments included a curling equalizer against Aston Villa and a brilliant cameo in the last 16 against Liverpool, where he scored the decisive penalty in a shootout win.

PSG paid £43m for Doue in the summer, despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Spurs, Manchester United, and Newcastle. Rennes, Doue's former club, are known for driving hard bargains and have a history of selling talented young players to top clubs.

Despite his newfound fame, Doue has remained grounded with the help of his family, who have been influential in his career. His brother Guela plays for Strasbourg and cousin Yann Gboho is a talented attacking midfielder at Toulouse. Doue made his full France debut in the Uefa Nations League quarter-final against Croatia in March, scoring a penalty, and has been praised by coach Didier Deschamps.

PSG coach Luis Enrique has been praised for his careful handling of Desire Doue France coach Didier Deschamps was at Parc des Princes to watch Doue's brilliant performance against Aston Villa
Source: BBC Sports Football

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