Paris Saint-Germain’s head coach Luis Enrique is charting an ambitious course for long-term dominance in world football, leveraging the club’s historic UEFA Champions League victory as a springboard for success in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. Just weeks after orchestrating a stunning 5-0 rout of Inter Milan in the Champions League final in Munich, Enrique’s youthful and dynamic PSG squad is now tearing through the Club World Cup with an eye on cementing their status as the planet’s preeminent club.
The French giants kicked off their Club World Cup campaign in Pasadena, California, with a commanding 4-0 demolition of Atlético Madrid on June 15, 2025, at the Rose Bowl Stadium. Despite the absence of star forward Ousmane Dembélé, sidelined by a quadriceps injury sustained on international duty, Enrique’s squad showcased their depth and versatility. Portuguese midfielder Vitinha, named player of the match, scored the second goal in a performance that underscored PSG’s relentless attacking philosophy. “This team is hungry,” Enrique said post-match, as reported by ESPN. “We had the objective of making history this season, but this [the Club World Cup] is a new chapter.” The victory extended PSG’s unbeaten run across all competitions to 14 games, a testament to the culture of excellence Enrique has instilled since taking the helm in 2023.
Enrique’s vision for PSG transcends the immediate goal of adding the Club World Cup to their trophy cabinet, which already boasts Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the Champions League titles from the 2024-25 season. The Spanish tactician, who previously won the Champions League with Barcelona in 2015, became only the second manager after Pep Guardiola to secure a continental treble with two different clubs. Yet, for Enrique, the Club World Cup represents more than a “cherry on the cake,” as he described it to ABC News. He sees it as a platform to establish PSG as a global powerhouse. “The Club World Cup is an incredible competition, not the same as Champions League yet, but it will become something that all the best teams in the world want to win,” he told Soccer News.
PSG’s dominance in the Champions League final, where they dismantled Inter Milan with a record-breaking scoreline, sent a clear message to rivals. The departure of superstars like Kylian Mbappé, Neymar, and Lionel Messi in recent years has not weakened the Parisian side but rather galvanized it under Enrique’s leadership. His emphasis on a collective identity, youth development, and a high-pressing 4-3-3 formation has transformed PSG into a cohesive unit. Players like Désiré Doué, who shone in the Champions League final, and Achraf Hakimi, whose defensive and attacking prowess has reached new heights, embody this evolution. “PSG is a team full of young talent,” Atlético Madrid’s Diego Simeone admitted to Mundo Deportivo after their Club World Cup defeat. “They played a wonderful game.”
As PSG prepares to face Brazilian side Botafogo on June 20 and Major League Soccer’s Seattle Sounders on June 23 in Group B, Enrique remains unfazed by the grueling schedule. Despite some players, including Vitinha, acknowledging the physical toll of a season approaching 60 matches, the squad’s excitement for FIFA’s expanded tournament is palpable. “It’s not easy, but we’re excited about taking part in this competition,” Vitinha told mykxlg.com. The potential $125 million in prize money for the top European team adds further incentive, but Enrique’s focus is on legacy. “We want to finish the season in style,” he told FIFA.com, hinting at a semi-final clash with CONMEBOL champions Palmeiras on the horizon.
Enrique’s confidence extends to retaining his squad amid transfer speculation. When asked about Real Madrid’s interest in defender Willian Pacho, he laughed off the rumors, stating, “It’s normal that they want all our players, but it’s difficult to get players out of Paris Saint-Germain,” according to Sports Illustrated. This resolve underscores his commitment to building a dynasty. Posts on X reflect growing fan optimism, with supporters praising Enrique’s “Lucho effect” and his ability to deliver trophies while fostering an attractive, attacking style.