Paris Saint-Germain retained the UEFA Champions League after defeating Arsenal on penalties at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, recovering from an early setback to claim a second consecutive European title. Arsenal led through Kai Havertz’s sixth-minute opener, but Ousmane Dembélé equalised from the penalty spot in the second half before PSG prevailed 4–3 in the shootout after extra time ended 1–1.
The final reflected the resilience that has defined PSG’s recent European success. Havertz put Arsenal ahead with a powerful finish after six minutes, but the holders gradually established more control. Their equaliser came in the 65th minute when Cristhian Mosquera fouled Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the area and Dembélé converted the resulting penalty. Neither side found a winner in the remaining 55 minutes, leaving the trophy to be settled from the spot.
Dembélé’s goal was his eighth in the competition, underlining his importance to Luis Enrique’s side during another successful continental campaign. The French forward had entered the season as the reigning Ballon d’Or winner and produced decisive contributions in PSG’s knockout run, including the final in Budapest.
Kvaratskhelia was named the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after an outstanding tournament. The Georgian scored 10 goals and registered six assists in 16 appearances, while his ability to carry the ball, create chances and influence decisive matches made him central to PSG’s title defence. His run included three goals across two games against Chelsea, but not a single-match hat-trick.
The final also demonstrated Kvaratskhelia’s value beyond his scoring. His movement into the penalty area forced Mosquera’s foul and created the opportunity for Dembélé to bring PSG level. The attacking trio of Kvaratskhelia, Dembélé and Désiré Doué, supported by a midfield containing Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz, gave Luis Enrique’s team the technical security and attacking variety required to withstand Arsenal’s early pressure.
Ruiz’s campaign extended beyond club success. The Spain midfielder remains unbeaten in 50 appearances for his country and was part of the squad that won the 2026 World Cup. He has also committed his future to PSG by signing a contract extension through 2028, with an option for a further year.
PSG have also secured long-term continuity with Luis Enrique, who has agreed to remain at the club until 2030. The Spaniard has overseen consecutive Champions League victories and three Ligue 1 titles, while the club has extended the contracts of several key players, including Ruiz, João Neves, Lucas Beraldo, Senny Mayulu and Willian Pacho.
Having retained Europe’s biggest club prize, PSG now have the opportunity to pursue a third successive Champions League title. Their success against Arsenal confirmed both their competitive resilience and the depth of their elite core, with Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia and Ruiz expected to remain central to another attempt at continental dominance.
