Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has officially written a new chapter in football history, securing their first-ever FIFA Intercontinental Cup title after a nerve-wracking final against Brazilian giants CR Flamengo.
The victory, achieved in Doha, Qatar, on December 17, 2025, marks the pinnacle of a historic year for the Parisian club, completing an unprecedented sextuple in a single calendar year.
The Match: A Tactical Battle in Doha
Held at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, the final was a clash of styles. Luis Enrique’s PSG dominated possession from the start, while Flamengo utilized a high-pressing, physically intense strategy that kept the European champions on their toes.
Opening Goal: PSG struck first in the 38th minute. After a teasing cross from Désiré Doué was parried by Flamengo’s goalkeeper Agustín Rossi, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was perfectly positioned to slot the ball home from close range.
The Equalizer: Flamengo refused to back down. In the 62nd minute, a VAR review confirmed a foul by Marquinhos on Giorgian De Arrascaeta. Jorginho stepped up to the spot and calmly converted the penalty, leveling the score at 1–1.
Despite late chances for both sides, including a near-miss by Marquinhos in regulation, the match remained deadlocked through 120 minutes of grueling football.
Safonov: The Shootout Hero
The title was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout where PSG’s Russian goalkeeper, Matvei Safonov, ascended to legendary status.
Safonov, who had been starting in place of the injured Lucas Chevalier, delivered a performance for the ages.
After Flamengo scored their first penalty and PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé missed his attempt, Safonov produced four consecutive saves, denying Saúl Ñíguez, Pedro, Léo Pereira, and Luiz Araújo. Nuno Mendes scored the decisive kick to secure a 2–1 shootout victory, sending the PSG squad into a frenzy of celebration.
A Historic Sextuple
With this victory, PSG becomes the third team in history to win six major trophies in a single calendar year, joining the ranks of Barcelona (2009) and Bayern Munich (2020). Their 2025 trophy haul includes:
Ligue 1
Coupe de France
Trophée des Champions
UEFA Champions League (their first-ever)
UEFA Super Cup
FIFA Intercontinental Cup
The Legacy
This triumph isn't just a win for PSG; it’s a milestone for French football. PSG is now the first French club to win a FIFA-organized world club title. For manager Luis Enrique, this marks his second career sextuple, further cementing his place as one of the greatest tactical minds in the game.
As the team returns to Paris, they do so not just as the champions of France or Europe, but as the undisputed kings of world football.
Final Score: PSG 1–1 Flamengo (2–1 on penalties) Player of the Match: Matvei Safonov (PSG)