“I went to protect Andrey (Santos). I saw the players surrounding him. As a good Brazilian, I went to protect a friend. A lot of people were arriving and, in that mess, I ended up being pushed. It’s part of the game. They don’t know how to lose, I think. It’s part of the game. Now it’s time to celebrate,” Joao Pedro expressed, via Sportv.

The game kicked off with both teams on equal footing, but tensions escalated as it neared the end. Joao and Marc Cucurella both faced aggressive challenges, leading to Joao Neves’ ejection. Despite the hostility, the Brazilian striker acknowledged that such pressure was expected after PSG‘s recent UEFA Champions League victory and high expectations.

Joao Pedro was not the only one discussing the situation; PSG head coach Luis Enrique also broke his silence on the subject. He acknowledged Chelsea’s well-earned championship, admitting that the English side outplayed them in the game’s final stretch, and the team struggled to keep pace. Much of Chelsea‘s finishing power stemmed from Cole Palmer’s outstanding performance, complemented by star striker Joao’s impressive contributions.

Chelsea captain Reece James opens up on Joao Pedro’s immediate impact in the squad

Since Didier Drogba’s retirement, strikers like Fernando Torres, Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata, and Romelu Lukaku have come and gone without leaving a significant mark. Now, Joao Pedro brings a spark that’s exciting fans as they hope for a proven goalscorer after several years. For that reason, team captain Reece James has spoken on the young Brazilian’s immediate impact.

“Joao is an amazing young player. I’ve played against him many times. I’m not sure how many knew his quality. He made his first start and scored two goals. His quality has opened a lot of people’s eyes. We’re happy to have him,” Reece James said in the pregame interview.

Though not widely known initially, Joao debuted in the Premier League with Watford in 2021-22, scoring 30 goals and 10 assists over two years. Brighton signed him for his standout play, and his continued excellence led Chelsea to invest $82 million to secure his talents. Joao quickly justified the price by netting three goals in his first three matches, showcasing a seamless adaptation and impactful presence in English soccer.

The Club World Cup final in New York, featuring European giants Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, ended in controversy after an altercation involving PSG head coach Luis Enrique. Following the final whistle, the Spanish manager was involved in a heated exchange with Chelsea forward Joao Pedro that escalated into a physical confrontation. The incident has raised questions about potential disciplinary action from FIFA.

According to Article 2 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, physical aggression or assault against an opponent or anyone other than a match official can result in a minimum suspension of three matches or a time-based penalty, depending on the severity of the act.

FIFA define aggression as physical actions such as kicking, punching, elbowing, biting, spitting, or hitting another person. However, punishments handed out during the Club World Cup, such as red cards or suspensions, are limited to that specific competition.

Even if Luis Enrique is sanctioned, it would not affect his ability to coach in UEFA tournaments or in French domestic league play. If FIFA’s disciplinary panel decides to act, any suspension would apply only to future editions of the Club World Cup, provided PSG qualify again.

After the match, Luis Enrique said that he was “foolish” during the incident. “I was foolish. He was just standing there, pushed me, I touched him, and he threw himself to the ground,” the coach said after the match.

When will FIFA announce a sanction?

The disciplinary process begins with the official match coordinator’s report, which documents any incidents on or around the field after the match. That report has now been submitted to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee, which will review the situation and decide whether to open a formal case.

The Disciplinary Committee, which will review the match report and available video footage to determine whether Luis Enrique’s behavior fits the definition of aggression under the rules. Either way, his sanction would be postponed until the coach returned to the competition.

Luis Enrique immediately expressed regret for losing his composure during the heated exchange with Joao Pedro. Moments after the incident, the Spanish manager was seen explaining the confrontation to his assistants, attempting to clarify what had taken place with the Brazilian forward.

“I was foolish. He was just standing there, pushed me, I touched him, and he threw himself to the ground,” Enrique said, describing the sequence in which he confronted the Chelsea player, reached for his neck, and appeared to strike him in the face.

In the post-match press conference, Luis Enrique insisted his intention had been to deescalate the situation. “At the end of the match, there’s a lot of tension. It’s a situation that could have been avoided by everyone involved. My goal was simply to make sure things didn’t get worse,” he said.

Why did this happen?

Luis Enrique continued offering explanations, showing a more vulnerable side rarely seen in public. He admitted that emotions had boiled over on the touchline in a high-stakes final, and that pressure played a major role in his actions.

“There was pushing from everyone. It wasn’t ideal. It’s the result of pressure and tension in the match, and I don’t have much else to add,” he told reporters. “My clear intention was to separate the players and keep the situation under control.”

What did he say about Chelsea as champions?

Speaking about the game itself, Luis Enrique acknowledged that Chelsea had been the better team. “We couldn’t find our rhythm and they pressed us very well. Today, they were the superior side,” he told DAZN.

“I think they deserve the win because of how clinical they were,” he added, offering praise for Chelsea’s performance and conceding that PSG were simply outplayed on the night.

Nearly ten years have passed between the two events—back in 2015, while managing Barcelona, the now-PSG head coach also defeated his longtime rival with a 4-0 scoreline.

In that historic match where Messi came off the bench in the second half, goals from Luis Suarez, Neymar, and Andres Iniesta sealed a dream victory for the Cules.

Today, in a different competition but against the same rival, he once again pulled off the feat of thrashing one of the best teams on the planet. Fabian Ruiz scored twice, while Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos added goals—Ramos sealing the result in the closing minutes.

In doing so, Luis Enrique becomes one of the few coaches to defeat Real Madrid 4-0 with two different teams over the course of his career. Could he repeat the feat in the future with yet another club?

Another final for Luis Enrique

After the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, Paris Saint-Germain secured yet another final this year, once again with Luis Enrique leading the way from the sidelines.

On May 31, in a match that was practically one-sided, the French side crushed Inter Milan 5-0 in the final of the most recent UEFA Champions League.

Next weekend, we will finally find out who will be crowned the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup champion. It won’t be easy for PSG, as they will face Chelsea—a team that has also rightfully earned its place in this decisive match.

An icon at FC Barcelona

Luis Enrique’s time at FC Barcelona was nothing short of glorious, leaving a lasting impression since his arrival. He built a solid team and continued the legacy that defines this iconic institution.

Three years in charge of the first team were enough for Luis Enrique to secure two La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey trophies, one Supercopa, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, and a FIFA Club World Cup.

Paris Saint-Germain faced significant setbacks in their recent match, with William Pacho receiving a red card in the 82nd minute, swiftly followed by Lucas Hernandez in the 90th minute of stoppage time. Both players now face a two-game suspension, prompting the French team to remove them from its squad for the remainder of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

In their absence, head coach Luis Enrique will rely on a defense pairing of Lucas Beraldo and the seasoned Marquinhos. This leaves the team with a single backup defender: promising youth talent Noham Kamara. While both dismissals are impactful, the absence of the Ecuadorian standout, Pacho, poses a greater challenge. His role as the defensive linchpin makes him nearly irreplaceable, complicating PSG’s strategic options for forthcoming matches.

“In agreement with the sporting management and the staff, Lucas Hernandez and Willian Pacho – suspended for the remainder of the Club World Cup – are leaving the team today,” PSG posted, via X, formerly Twitter.

Despite these challenges, the French team welcomes back Achraf Hakimi and Fabian Ruiz, who have been training individually. Both players might be ready to face Real Madrid. With a full roster at his disposal, Luis Enrique might likely stick to the successful strategy that has propelled the team deep into the tournament, relying on Desire Doue and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as key offensive players.

PSG vs Real Madrid: A harsh game awaits as former teammates face off

The highly anticipated semifinal clash of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid promises not only a thrilling contest on the field but also a dramatic reunion. Kylian Mbappe, who once made history with PSG, faces his former team under contentious circumstances. His exit was far from amicable, marked by ongoing legal disputes.

According to the Associated Press, Mbappe claims that PSG owe him $61 million in wages, casting a shadow over his celebrated past with the club. Also, they have a legal dispute over moral harassment from the French side, as per Associated Press. This legal debacle adds an extra layer of intensity to the clash. Expect emotions to run high both on and off the field, with supporters potentially making their sentiments known.

“It’s an incredible competition. It’s not going to be in this edition, but it’s going to be in terms of importance for the title. The fact that every four years we can see who is the best team in the world in a competition like the Club World Cup will undoubtedly be a benchmark. And we want to finish off this season in the best possible way and the finishing touch is clearly to be competitive and be in a position to win the fifth title this season,” Luis Enrique expressed in the press conference.

In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) will face a competitive group. This group includes Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, and Seattle Sounders. For the recent UEFA Champions League winners, the lineup seems accessible on paper. Yet, it presents a real challenge. Coach Luis Enrique aims to finish the season on a strong note rather than resting after a demanding schedule. He seeks to secure two more titles: the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

Luis Enrique attributes his success in soccer to relentless hard work. Throughout his playing career, he stood out for his dedication and team-first mentality. He often changed positions to better serve the team’s goals, demonstrating his commitment to success.

Importantly, he carried this same ambition into his coaching career. With PSG and FC Barcelona, he achieved historic feats, including two trebles. His ongoing drive continues to push his teams to new heights. This leadership will be crucial as PSG pursue more silverware in the upcoming months.

What major challenge will Paris Saint-Germain face at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup?

Paris Saint-Germain are navigating an exceptionally demanding season, with a significant toll on the players’ physical condition. Coach Luis Enrique rarely rotates the squad, which increases the playing time for key players. As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup approaches, this heavy workload could negatively impact their performance, especially considering their competitors will likely be more well-rested.

Furthermore, the youthful squad raises concerns of potential muscle fatigue, which could lead to injuries. The lack of rotation has left few substitutes with adequate match fitness, raising questions about their ability to perform at peak levels. Although this situation doesn’t necessarily signal an early exit from the competition or rule out a title run, PSG certainly face a disadvantage compared to their rivals.

Following the match, Luis Enrique used his postgame press conference to commend Inter Milan for the class and dignity they displayed during the trophy presentation. As PSG players celebrated their long-awaited victory, the Inter squad remained on the pitch, waiting respectfully to acknowledge their opponents’ success.

“I want to highlight something that’s rarely seen in finals,” Enrique said. “As we were receiving the trophy, I’d like to extend heartfelt praise to Inter Milan—their players, staff, everyone. Despite the pain of defeat, they stayed, showing deep respect. That’s something truly admirable.”

He added: “This is an important lesson for children watching soccer and for life in general. Winning is easy—losing with grace is harder. Many people only know how to win. Today, Inter showed the world how to lose with honor. I congratulate them for that.”

Luis Enrique’s touching tribute to his late daughter Xana

Beyond the pitch, Luis Enrique delivered an emotional tribute to his late daughter Xana, who passed away at the age of 9 in August 2019 after a brave battle with illness. “She’s always with us, with our family,” he said. “If she were here today, she’d be celebrating too.” The tribute underscored the emotional depth of PSG’s triumph, extending far beyond soccer.

Enrique has spoken candidly about the immense pain of losing Xana but continues to honor her memory with love and positivity. In a documentary for Amazon Prime, the PSG manager described the joy of the nine unforgettable years they shared. Even after his mother removed Xana’s photos from her home to cope with the grief, Enrique insisted on placing them back, saying her presence still brings light.

His bond with Xana was also reflected in a poignant moment from the 2015 Champions League Final, when he was coaching Barcelona. After winning the title, he and Xana walked to the center of the field and buried a Barça flag—a gesture now echoed in Paris. For this final, Enrique wore a black shirt featuring two symbolic drawings of him and Xana planting a PSG flag on the pitch.

Luis Enrique joins elite company with second career treble

With this Champions League victory, PSG completed a historic treble, having already secured the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup earlier in the season. They now join an exclusive list of just 11 clubs in European soccer history to win their domestic league, domestic cup, and the Champions League in the same campaign.

Luis Enrique becomes just the second manager ever to accomplish the treble twice. He first did it in 2015 with Barcelona, leading a star-studded team featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suárez to European glory. The only other soccer coach to reach that milestone is fellow Spaniard Pep Guardiola, who won the treble with Barcelona in 2009 and repeated the feat with Manchester City in 2023.

Post-match, the Spanish coach attended the customary press conference, which was more relaxed than usual thanks to the celebratory atmosphere. It was there he was asked who should be awarded the prestigious accolade, given by France Football to the best footballer of the season.

Without needing time to craft a diplomatic response, Luis Enrique confidently expressed his opinion. In response to the direct question, he declared, “I would give the Ballon d’Or to Ousmane Dembele”. He explained his choice, saying, “For his performance in defending during this final—this is leading a team with humility and leadership”.

Not stopping there, he paused briefly before continuing his praise. “I believe he undoubtedly deserves it. Not just because of the titles and goals, but for how he has pressed the game. He’s done it all season, but especially so in this final,” concluded the 55-year-old coach.

Ousmane Dembele’s stellar season

Throughout the season, Dembele’s performance was tremendously high, making him a legitimate contender for the Ballon d’Or. Wearing the PSG jersey, the winger played 45 matches and made a substantial impact. In addition to scoring 33 goals and providing 14 assists, he established himself as a crucial component of the Parisian attack.

Beyond these impressive stats, Dembele helped secure four titles: Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and PSG‘s first UEFA Champions League in their history.

Individually, he finished as the top scorer in the French league and was named the Player of the Year. With the French national team, he also boasted strong numbers, scoring three goals and contributing an assist in just four matches.

After the match, Enrique shared a touching message about Xana, who sadly passed away at the tender age of 9 on August 29, 2019, after a courageous battle with a severe illness. “She’s always with us, with our family. If she was here today, she’d be celebrating too.” he reflected, showing the profound bond that remains despite her absence.

Luis Enrique acknowledges the deep pain of losing his daughter Xana but chooses to celebrate her memory with joy. In an Amazon Prime documentary, the PSG coach speaks about his gratitude for the nine incredible years they spent together. Even when his mother removed photos of Xana from their home to ease her own sorrow, Enrique reinstated them, emphasizing her constant presence and the joyful legacy she left behind.

In 2015, Luis Enrique and his daughter Xana shared a memorable moment during the UEFA Champions League. FC Barcelona clinched the championship with Luis Enrique at the helm. After the victory, he and Xana walked to the center of the field, where they buried a flag of the storied club. In their recent victory, Luis Enrique paid tribute to Xana by wearing a black shirt featuring two drawings. These illustrations depicted them symbolically planting the PSG flag on the field.

Luis Enrique fulfilled a long-held dream after taking charge at Paris Saint-Germain

Luis Enrique has proven himself as one of the world’s elite coaches by leading Paris Saint-Germain to the 2025 UEFA Champions League title. He faced the challenging task of transitioning from the Neymar Jr and Kylian Mbappe era. Yet, with determination, he elevated the team to new heights. This victory in the prestigious competition underscores his tactical prowess. Beyond the on-field success, Enrique also achieved a personal ambition since joining PSG.

“I remember a photo I have with her at the Champions League final in Berlin, after winning it by sticking an FC Barcelona flag on the pitch. And I have the desire to do the same at Paris Saint-Germain. My daughter won’t be there physically, but she will be there spiritually,” Luis Enrique affirmed during a press conference.

Besides PSG this year, only 10 teams have ever won the Champions League, their domestic league, and their domestic cup in the same season. Interestingly, Luis Enrique was also the head coach of one of those teams—Barcelona in 2015—making him one of just two managers in history to win the treble twice.

The first to do so was another Spaniard. Pep Guardiola led Barcelona to a treble in 2009, winning the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey with a squad featuring Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta, and Xavi Hernandez. He repeated the feat in 2023 with Manchester City, dominating the European competition as well as the Premier League and FA Cup.

The European clubs that have won the treble

The first European club to win the treble did so in the 1966–67 season, just 11 years after the launch of the Champions League, then known as the European Cup. Jock Stein was the manager who led Celtic of Scotland to that historic achievement.

In 1972, Rinus Michels’ Ajax dominated in the Netherlands and across Europe, building the core of the team that would later reach the FIFA World Cup finals in 1974 and 1978. Another Dutch side followed: Feyenoord, managed by Guus Hiddink, claimed the treble in 1988.

Eleven years later, Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United secured all three major trophies in the same season. A decade passed before Pep Guardiola matched that milestone with Barcelona. In 2010, Inter Milan—under Jose Mourinho—dominated Serie A, Coppa Italia and Europe.

Bayern Munich accomplished the treble twice, in 2013 with Jupp Heynckes and in 2020 under Hansi Flick. Between those two runs was the memorable 2015 Barcelona team featuring Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez, led by Luis Enrique. The most recent team before PSG to win the treble was Guardiola’s Manchester City in 2023.

How many more titles can PSG win this year?

In addition to the Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup, Paris Saint-Germain also won the French Super Cup against AS Monaco in January. However, that trophy officially counts toward the previous season. Looking ahead, Luis Enrique’s team has a chance to win up to three more titles before the end of 2025.

On Sunday, June 15, they will make their debut in the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against Atletico Madrid. They will also face Botafogo and Seattle Sounders in Group B. This marks PSG’s first appearance in the competition.

They’ll also compete for the UEFA Super Cup, which pits the Champions League winners against the Europa League champions. That match, against Tottenham Hotspur, is scheduled for August 13 at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.

Finally, from December 13 to 17, PSG will have the chance to participate in the Intercontinental Cup, which brings together champions from all six FIFA confederations. As of now, PSG are one of just three clubs to have secured their place, along with Al-Ahli from Asia and Auckland City from Oceania.

Even from the European Cup days, continental success has been limited to a handful of head coaches. And of course, the list of managers who won the Champions League on multiple occasions is short as well.

But if lifting the UCL more than once is a challenging task, let alone to do so with different teams. So far, only seven managers have won UEFA Champions League titles with multiple clubs.

Which coaches have won Champions League trophies with multiple clubs?

Ernst Happel, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Jupp Heynckes, Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, and Luis Enrique are the only managers who boast Champions League triumphs with different European teams.

• Ernst Happel – 2 teams (Feyenoord 1970, Hamburg 1983)
• Ottmar Hitzfeld – 2 teams (Dortmund 1997, Bayern 2001)
• Jupp Heynckes – 2 teams (Real Madrid 1998, Bayern 2013)
• Carlo Ancelotti – 2 teams (AC Milan 2003, 2007; Real Madrid 2014, 2022, 2024)
• Jose Mourinho – 2 teams (Porto 2004, Inter 2010)
• Pep Guardiola – 2 teams (Barcelona 2009, 2011; Manchester City 2023)
• Luis Enrique – 2 teams (Barcelona 2015; PSG 2025)

Which managers have coached Champions League finals with different teams?

Curiously, Carlo Ancelotti is also the coach with the most Champions League titles in tournament history. In addition, the Italian is the manager who reached the most finals with more than one club.

Luis Enrique, who won the Champions League title with Barcelona in 2015, became the 10th manager to join this list in the 2024-25 season, when he reached (and won) the title decider in Munich at the helm of French side Paris Saint-Germain.

• Carlo Ancelotti – 5 finals (AC Milan 2003, 2007; Real Madrid 2014, 2022, 2024)
• Jurgen Klopp – 4 finals (Dortmund 2013; Liverpool 2018, 2019, 2022)
• Pep Guardiola – 4 finals (Barcelona 2009, 2011; Man City 2021, 2023)
• Louis van Gaal – 3 finals (Ajax 1995, 1996; Bayern 2010)
• Ernst Happel – 2 finals (Feyenoord 1970; Hamburg 1983)
• Jupp Heynckes – 2 finals (Real Madrid 1998; Bayern 2013)
• Ottmar Hitzfeld – 2 finals (Dortmund 1997; Bayern 2001)
• Jose Mourinho – 2 finals (Porto 2004; Inter 2010)
• Thomas Tuchel – 2 finals (PSG 2020; Chelsea 2021)
• Luis Enrique – 2 finals (Barcelona 2015; PSG 2025)