Can PSG Achieve a Rare Champions League Three-Peat?

PSG Eyes a Third Straight Champions League Title

Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain have already established themselves as one of the Champions League's top teams by winning back-to-back trophies. Now, they aim for an uncommon three-peat.

The Challenge Ahead

PSG captain Marquinhos acknowledged the difficulty ahead just before the new season: "Doing the treble is the objective, but we know it's going to be very difficult and that there will be obstacles in our way."

After years of falling short in Europe, the Qatar-backed club transformed under former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique, who took charge in 2023. In his first season, PSG reached the semifinals, then improved further after Kylian Mbappe left in 2024.

No longer dependent on one or two stars, PSG dominated Europe, capturing their first Champions League title in 2025 with a 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final. They followed that by edging Arsenal, the Premier League champions, on penalties last season in Budapest, becoming only the second team to defend the trophy since 1992.

Historic Company Awaits

A three-peat at this level is rare. Real Madrid pulled it off from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane. Legendary teams like Johan Cruyff’s Ajax and Franz Beckenbauer’s Bayern Munich each won three consecutive European Cups in the 1970s, while Alfredo Di Stefano’s Real Madrid captured five straight titles from 1956 to 1960.

PSG hopes to join this elite group, though the current Champions League format means they've had to play 17 matches per campaign to win the trophy in each of the past two seasons.

Strengths and Struggles

When at their best, PSG is thrilling. Their attack, spearheaded by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, moves with terrifying speed, supported by flying full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. Their midfield, led by Portuguese playmaker Vitinha, often controls games against tougher opponents.

Despite facing 18 matches against Premier League sides over two years, PSG secured two Champions League titles and two UEFA Super Cups.

The heavy schedule may pose the biggest threat. Across the last two seasons, PSG played 121 competitive games with just a brief three-week break for the Club World Cup. Many players also featured in major 2024 tournaments and had shorter summer breaks due to the World Cup, which might explain their slow start this season.

Still, PSG leads France's top flight by a wide margin and remains favorite to claim Ligue 1 again, even if key players rest regularly to stay fresh for Europe.

Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Changes

Their European journey begins against Slovan Bratislava, an easy start before tougher tests at Manchester City and home games versus Barcelona in October.

PSG rarely sells star players, but this summer saw big-money departures like Bradley Barcola to Liverpool. Others including Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, and Ibrahim Mbaye also left.

New additions include Maghnes Akliouche, a French World Cup participant, and Ferran Torres, Spain's hero in their final World Cup match, who reunites with Luis Enrique. Torres called Enrique "like a footballing father" during his time with Spain.

Luis Enrique's Long-Term Vision

Luis Enrique has become PSG’s true leader and recently extended his contract until 2030. He said, "It is the first time I have stayed four years at the same club, and I am more motivated than I was in my first year," showing no sign of losing his drive—something PSG’s rivals will find concerning.