The 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup final was held in Qatar, where Paris Saint-Germain defeated Flamengo 2–1 in a penalty shootout to lift the first Intercontinental Cup trophy in the club’s history, completing a remarkable six-title haul in 2025.
For this match, PSG were without defender Achraf Hakimi due to injury, while newly crowned World Footballer of the Year Ousmane Dembélé started on the bench. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Lee Kang-in formed the attacking trio.
Flamengo were also missing Rodríguez through injury, with Jorginho anchoring the midfield and Bruno Henrique leading the line.
Kvaratskhelia Strikes as PSG Lead at the Break
PSG broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Doué played a precise through ball from the right side of the box, Flamengo goalkeeper Rossi made a mistake in his attempt to collect, and Kvaratskhelia finished from close range into an empty net at the left side of the six-yard box. PSG went into half-time with a 1–0 lead.
Jorginho Converts Penalty as Match Goes to Extra Time
After the break, Flamengo were awarded a penalty in the 59th minute when Marquinhos brought down Giorgian De Arrascaeta in the area, a decision confirmed by VAR. Three minutes later, Jorginho calmly sent goalkeeper Safonov the wrong way and slotted the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 1–1.
After 120 minutes of intense action, the two sides still could not be separated, forcing the final to be decided by a penalty shootout.
Safonov the Hero in the Shootout
Despite missed penalties from Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, PSG goalkeeper Safonov delivered a heroic performance, saving four spot kicks to secure a 2–1 victory in the shootout. His outstanding display proved decisive in PSG’s triumph.
At the final whistle, PSG players lifted the 26-year-old Russian goalkeeper into the air, celebrating the man who had earned widespread praise from his teammates.
Teammates and Coach Praise Goalkeeping Hero
Defender Nuno Mendes admitted that PSG were not at their best and had missed two penalties, but stressed that Safonov’s brilliance changed the outcome: “We all thanked Safonov. He showed his quality, and we’re all happy for him. He’s a great person, always joking with everyone, and we’re happy to have him with us.”
With this victory, PSG completed a clean sweep of six trophies in 2025: the Trophée des Champions, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the Intercontinental Cup.
Reflecting on the historic “six-title season,” PSG head coach Luis Enrique, who was recently named FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year, said: “2025 has been unforgettable. Now we have to maintain this level. I believe our squad is well-balanced, with experienced players and exciting young talent. I’m delighted at the moment.”
This Intercontinental Cup triumph not only put the perfect finishing touch on PSG’s extraordinary season but also reaffirmed the club’s status as a dominant force in both European and world football.
