Paris St-Germain have emerged winners of the Intercontinental Cup after edging Flamengo on penalties in a pulsating final in Qatar.
Goalkeeper Matvey Safonov stole the spotlight following four consecutive spot-kick saves to decide the contest.
The Champions League holders followed Real Madrid by lifting the global crown reserved for continental champions.
As European winners, PSG entered directly at the final stage and embraced the occasion with authority. Despite rotating heavily in Ligue 1 days earlier, Luis Enrique selected a powerful lineup. However, newly crowned FIFA Best player Ousmane Dembele began the night on the bench.
PSG struck first shortly before half-time through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian attacker ghosted in at the far post to finish Desire Doue’s driven cross. Flamengo responded after the break and found parity from the penalty spot. Jorginho converted calmly after Giorgian de Arrascaeta was fouled by Marquinhos.
Neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation or extra time ad the final drifted toward penalties.
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Six trophies, one statement: PSG cement global supremacy
Dembele’s late introduction lifted PSG’s tempo during the closing stages. Nevertheless, Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi resisted repeated pressure with sharp reflexes.
The shootout then belonged entirely to Russian goalkeeper Safonov. He denied Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira, and Luiz Araujo in ruthless succession.
Vitinha and Nuno Mendes converted for PSG to ensure a 2-1 shootout success. As a result, the French champions completed another landmark night. This Intercontinental Cup triumph represents PSG’s sixth trophy of a remarkable year. They had previously captured Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League.
Earlier this season, PSG also lifted the Trophee des Champions and the UEFA Super Cup. Therefore, their dominance now stretches across domestic and international fronts.
On Tuesday, Dembele claimed the FIFA Best award, while Luis Enrique was named best men’s coach. Six members of the 2025 world team of the year named on Tuesday were also members of the PSG team.
Up next is domestic duty for the Parisiens who are in Coupe de France action against Vendee Fontenay Foot.
Tags: PSG, Paris St-Germain, Matvey Safonov, Flamengo, Intercontinental Cup, Vendee Fontenay Foot, Coupe de France, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Trophee des Champions, Marquinhos, Jorginho.
