Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan are set to meet on May 31st at the Allianz Arena in Munich to contest the 2024-25 UEFA Champions League final, determining this season`s most important club football champion. Inter reaches their second final in three seasons, having lost the 2023 edition 1-0 to Pep Guardiola`s Manchester City. They now have an opportunity to claim their fourth ever Champions League title, following their last victory in 2010 under Jose Mourinho as part of their historic treble-winning campaign. PSG, on the other hand, is still chasing their inaugural Champions League trophy. This will be their second appearance in the final, having been defeated 1-0 by Bayern Munich in 2020 due to a decisive goal from Kingsley Coman.
Luis Enrique`s squad secured their spot in the final by overcoming Arsenal in the two-legged semifinal. The French giants achieved a 1-0 win in London before sealing their progress with a 2-1 victory in the return leg in Paris, thanks to goals scored by Fabian Ruiz and former Inter player Achraf Hakimi. Inter, managed by Simone Inzaghi, advanced to the final by eliminating Barcelona in the semifinals, having previously knocked out Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals. Inter`s tie against Barcelona was particularly memorable, ending with the Nerazzurri winning the second leg 4-3 in Milan, with Davide Frattesi scoring the winning goal after a thrilling 3-3 draw in the first leg in Barcelona. Both finalists possess squads brimming with talent and players capable of influencing the outcome at any moment. Let`s examine the top five players expected to make an impact in this season`s Champions League final:
How to Watch the Champions League Final, Odds
- Date: Saturday, May 31
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: Allianz Arena — Munich, Germany
- TV: CBS
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain +105; Draw +240; Inter +270
5. GK Yann Sommer, Inter
Choosing the best goalkeeper was challenging, especially given Gianluigi Donnarumma`s strong performances for PSG throughout the tournament. However, Yann Sommer has been exceptionally impressive for Inter, notably in the two semifinal matches against Barcelona. The Swiss goalkeeper delivered crucial saves, particularly his stop against Lamine Yamal in the second leg at San Siro, demonstrating exactly why Inter signed him in the summer of 2023 to replace Andre Onana. He has proven himself as one of the premier goalkeepers in Europe.
4. Achraf Hakimi, PSG
The PSG wing-back previously played for Inter during the 2020-21 season under Antonio Conte. His impact in Serie A was outstanding, significantly contributing to the Nerazzurri winning their first Scudetto in 11 years. PSG then signed him in the summer of 2021 for approximately $70 million, including add-ons. Since his departure, Inter replaced him with Denzel Dumfries, who has improved considerably but hasn`t quite reached Hakimi`s level. The Moroccan star is widely regarded as one of the best players globally, and he has the chance to lift the Champions League trophy against his former teammates and supporters, having scored the decisive goal in the semifinal tie against Arsenal in Paris.
3. Lautaro Martinez, Inter
The Inter captain has had an incredible season, building on his strong showing last year which saw him finish seventh in the Ballon d`Or voting. The Champions League is the only major trophy he is yet to win in his career. His quick recovery to start the second leg of the semifinals against Barcelona, just six days after suffering a muscular injury in the first leg, highlights his determination to achieve this goal. His partnership with new teammate Marcus Thuram this season has helped Lautaro Martinez further improve his goalscoring record and overall performances compared to the 2023 final where he played alongside Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku.
2. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, PSG
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia`s move to PSG was arguably the most impactful signing of the January 2025 transfer window, and possibly one of the best ever made in the winter. The former Napoli winger quickly adapted and proved his abilities in France. Since joining Luis Enrique`s team, he has registered four goals and six assists, rapidly securing a regular starting position. He is highlighted as potentially the most talented player on either side in the final and the key individual to watch for moments of individual brilliance.
1. Ousmane Dembele, PSG
Paris Saint-Germain is a fundamentally different team when Ousmane Dembele is on the pitch and fully fit. If the French winger is in peak form for the 2025 final, Inter will find it extremely challenging to contain him, even after facing talents like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha in the semifinals. His statistics this season are truly remarkable, with 33 goals and 13 assists across 44 games in all competitions, averaging a goal every 92 minutes played. Winning the Champions League final on May 31st could potentially position him as a strong contender for the Ballon d`Or.
Adrian Whitmore