Paris Saint-Germain were crowned champions of the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League last weekend after beating Arsenal in the final. Following a 1–1 draw in normal time, the Parisian side won 4–3 on penalties to claim their second consecutive Champions League title.

This victory marks the definitive consolidation of the club’s project in Europe and represents a significant statistical milestone in the history of modern football: Luis Enrique secured his third Champions League title as a manager.

The Spanish manager, the most recent winner of the Johan Cruyff Trophy, won his first title in 2015 with FC Barcelona, and has now added the 2025 and 2026 editions to his tally at the helm of PSG.

Without a doubt, winning Europe’s top trophy in consecutive years reaffirms the success of his tenure in the French capital, although in the final against Arsenal in Budapest, his team had to suffer more than expected.

Match analysis: Tactical superiority against Arsenal

Arsenal adopted a well-organised approach and maintained a solid defensive block from the start, whilst the French side dictated the play and controlled possession throughout the match.

However, in a precise counter-attack after five minutes, the London side took the lead with a superb strike from Kai Havertz, who scored his second goal in Champions League finals.

Luis Enrique’s side tried to level the score quickly, but time and again they came up against an Arsenal wall, who put in an impeccable defensive display until the 65th minute.

That was when Cristhian Mosquera brought down Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty to PSG. Ousmane Dembélé stepped up to take it and levelled the score with a clinical finish.

Thanks to the goal from the most recent Ballon d’Or winner, the French side levelled the score; the match remained evenly balanced until the end of extra time, and the title had to be decided on penalties.

In the shootout, Brazilian Gabriel Magalhães missed his team’s final spot-kick, allowing PSG to claim the title for the second consecutive time.

The enduring appeal of a playing style

Winning three Champions League titles demonstrates Luis Enrique’s adaptability and his continued relevance at the elite level of football.

Winning with two different clubs, in different contexts and leagues, proves that his system of play, based on high pressing, tactical discipline and ball control, remains effective at the highest competitive level.

An exclusive group: Managers with three or more Champions League titles

With this year’s victory, Luis Enrique formally joins the ranks of the most successful managers in the competition’s history.

To date, only five managers have managed to win the European Cup or Champions League on three or more occasions:

- Carlo Ancelotti: 5 Champions League titles

- Bob Paisley: 3 Champions League titles

- Zinédine Zidane: 3 Champions League titles

- Pep Guardiola: 3 Champions League titles

- Luis Enrique: 3 Champions League titles

Each of the names on this list defined an era in European football. Carlo Ancelotti holds the all-time record with five titles, won with both Milan and Real Madrid.

Bob Paisley established Liverpool’s dominance in the 1970s and 1980s, whilst Zinédine Zidane achieved the feat of three consecutive titles whilst managing Real Madrid.

For his part, Pep Guardiola, during the golden age of managers trained in the philosophy of Johan Cruyff, won the Champions League with Barcelona and Manchester City.

Now, Luis Enrique has cemented his place in history by transforming Paris Saint-Germain into a winning force in Europe.