Luis Enrique has firmly established himself as one of football’s all-time great managers with his remarkable achievement of guiding Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever Champions League title. His journey with PSG culminated in a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan at the Allianz Arena, a win that not only secured silverware but also showcased his tactical genius and leadership.
From early on, there were signs that this PSG team was different. Luis Enrique, known for his cerebral approach, exuded calm confidence before the final, believing in his team’s ability to dismantle Inter’s famously tight defense. His faith was justified as PSG took a commanding 2-0 lead within the first 20 minutes, and by the midway point of the second half, they were comfortably ahead 3-0. Despite the sizable lead, Luis Enrique pushed his team to maintain intensity and seek more goals, illustrating his hunger and belief in his squad.
The victory was about more than just the scoreline. It represented Luis Enrique’s skill in forging a cohesive unit from a group that lacked the star-studded profiles typically associated with European champions. Unlike his tenure at Barcelona, where he inherited some of the world’s best talents, his PSG squad was assembled with a focus on collective effort and unity. With the crucial help of recruitment chief Luís Campos, the club invested heavily in young talents like Willian Pacho, João Neves, Désiré Doué, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who joined in January and completed the puzzle.
The final goal, scored by 19-year-old substitute Senny Mayulu just two minutes after coming on, was a symbol of the environment Luis Enrique has created one where even the least heralded players can rise to the occasion on the biggest stage. This ability to nurture and trust young players underlines the depth and strength of the team culture he has instilled.
Luis Enrique’s personal story adds an emotional dimension to this triumph. He carries with him the memory of his late daughter Xana, who passed away at the age of nine. His dedication to her is well known and was poignantly represented by a tifo displayed by PSG ultras, showing Luis Enrique and Xana in PSG colors planting a flag in the turf a powerful symbol of perseverance, love, and triumph.
Tactically, Luis Enrique has delivered a style of play marked by fluid positional movement, aggressive pressing, and intelligent overloads, making PSG a difficult team to defend against. His trust in players like Ousmane Dembélé, who contributed two assists in the final and led the press with relentless energy, shows his ability to get the best out of his squad. Luis Enrique himself highlighted Dembélé’s defensive work as a key factor, praising his leadership and humility.
This Champions League triumph marks Luis Enrique’s second “classic” treble, having previously won the league, domestic cup, and Champions League with Barcelona in the 2014-15 season. Only one other manager, Pep Guardiola, has achieved this feat twice, underscoring the significance of Luis Enrique’s accomplishment.
Luis Enrique’s impact at PSG transcends trophies. He has transformed a club known for assembling star names into a true team that plays for the badge and each other. His success is a testament to his managerial skill and vision, proving that with the right leadership, a collective spirit, and tactical intelligence, a team can reach the very pinnacle of European football.
As PSG’s captain Marquinhos lifted the trophy amid a shower of confetti, the message was clear: Luis Enrique belongs in the elite company of football’s greatest coaches, a man who turned a promising project into European champions. His legacy is not just about the trophies won, but the culture and identity he has built, one that will influence PSG and football for years to come.
