Paris Saint-Germain defeat Flamengo to make history in Qatar
Paris Saint-Germain made history on Wednesday night as they became the first French club to win a FIFA competition, after a penalty shootout victory over Flamengo saw them crowned winners of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2025™ presented by Aramco. Meeting for the first time in a FIFA competition, Les Rouge et Bleu proved too strong for their Brazilian counterparts on the night and ensured that they ended 2025 on a high and added to their UEFA Champions League crown.
In front of a capacity crowd and following a closely contested opening spell, it was PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, pouncing on a low Désiré Doué cross that was pushed into his path by the unfortunate Flamengo goalkeeper AgustÃn Rossi as he attempted to clear.
The champions of South America did not buckle against the might of PSG, however, and emerged for the second half full of spirit and energy. That endeavour was rewarded in the 62nd minute when they were awarded a penalty after a Marquinhos foul inside the box.
With his trademark hop, skip and jump, Jorginho calmly rolled the ball into the back of the net to level the game and send the travelling Flamengo fans behind the goal into delirium. The deadlock remained intact throughout the remainder of the game and extra time – despite both sides pushing for a win.
In front of their travelling support, it was PSG who prevailed 2-1 after an enthralling shootout, in which six of the nine penalties were missed or saved. However, it was Matvei Safonov who became the hero, saving the decisive spot kick from Luiz Araújo. Although disappointed, Flamengo still leave Qatar with two FIFA trophies to add to their cabinet, having defeated Cruz Azul of Mexico and Pyramids of Egypt to win the FIFA Derby of the Americas and FIFA Challenger Cup, respectively.
The showdown also brought an end to a spectacular run of trophy-hauling for Filipe LuÃs’s charges, with the South American giants having lifted four pieces of silverware in five outings prior to their defeat in Al Rayyan. As well as the two FIFA crowns, Flamengo had arrived in Doha having clinched the CONMEBOL Libertadores and Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles at the culmination of two of their previous three contests.
However, it was a night for celebrations for Luis Enrique’s side, and the tactical mastermind celebrated his own double in Doha, having been awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2025 at a glittering awards ceremony held on the evening prior to the tournament showpiece.
The match also marked the conclusion of the second of three major tournaments being staged in Qatar across November and December 2025. It capped another landmark year for FIFA and the hosts of the FIFA World Cup 2022™, which successfully delivered the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2025™ in November.
The calendar will conclude with the third-place play-off and final of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025™. The two fixtures will be played at Khalifa International Stadium and Lusail Stadium, respectively, on 18 December, coinciding with Qatar National Day.