Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Désiré Doué has claimed the 2025 Golden Boy award following an exceptional debut season that saw him net twice in the Champions League final. The 20-year-old becomes the fourth French player to win the prestigious honour.
Doué edges out Real Madrid’s Arda Güler, Dean Huijsen, and Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsí. His victory crowns a remarkable season where PSG secured an unprecedented quintuple.
The former Rennes academy product joined PSG last August. The French champions paid €50 million to secure his signature. Bayern Munich and Chelsea also pursued the versatile midfielder before his move to Paris.
How it began
Doué’s defining moment arrived on May 31 at Munich’s Allianz Arena. He scored twice and assisted Achraf Hakimi in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan. The victory delivered PSG’s first-ever Champions League title.
His performance etched multiple records into history. At 19 years and 362 days, he became the youngest player to score a brace in a Champions League final. No player had previously recorded three goal involvements in a European Cup final at such an age.
Also, across 61 appearances, he registered 16 goals and 16 assists for Luis Enrique’s side. His contributions proved decisive as PSG swept Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Champions Trophy, Champions League, and European Super Cup.
Individual honours accompanied team success throughout the season. Doué secured the UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season award. He also earned recognition in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year and claimed the league’s Young Player award.
International recognition followed his domestic achievements. He made his senior France debut in March against Croatia. The midfielder collected bronze at the Nations League finals after featuring against Germany in the third-place match.
Doué’s win shows France’s golden generation of talent. Anthony Martial won in 2015, followed by Mbappé in 2017. Pogba claimed the honour in 2013 as France’s first winner.
His victory establishes him among Europe’s elite young stars. The midfielder now targets continued success with PSG and France.
