PSG target historic third successive Champions League triumph under Luis Enrique

Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to become only the fourth club in European football history to win the Champions League or European Cup three seasons in a row after establishing themselves as the continent’s leading side.

PSG have lifted the trophy in each of the past two campaigns, defeating Inter Milan 5-0 in the 2025 final before beating Arsenal on penalties in last season’s final in Budapest.

A third consecutive success would place the French club alongside an elite group that includes Real Madrid, Ajax and Bayern Munich. Real Madrid achieved the feat under Zinedine Zidane from 2016 to 2018, while Ajax and Bayern Munich completed three-year runs in the 1970s.

“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,” PSG captain Marquinhos said before the new campaign.

The club’s rise has been especially striking given its previous struggles in Europe, despite years of significant investment. PSG appointed former Barcelona and Spain manager Luis Enrique in 2023 and reached the Champions League semi-finals in his first season before winning the competition the following year.

Kylian Mbappe’s departure proved to be a significant turning point. Without relying so heavily on one individual star, PSG developed into a more balanced and forceful team.

Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia offer speed and creativity in attack, while Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes provide an additional threat from full-back.

Vitinha has become one of the central figures in Enrique’s midfield system. His ability to dictate the tempo has helped PSG compete with teams that possess greater physical strength.

That strength has been tested regularly by English opposition. PSG have played Premier League clubs 18 times over the past two Champions League campaigns and still emerged as European champions on both occasions.

The major concern this season may be whether Enrique can keep his players fresh. PSG played 121 competitive matches during the previous two campaigns and had only a three-week break between them because of the FIFA Club World Cup. A number of their players have also represented their countries at major international tournaments.

Enrique has consequently been required to manage his squad carefully, especially during the opening weeks of the season. PSG are still strong favourites to win Ligue 1, giving the manager scope to rest players domestically while preparing for more demanding European fixtures.

Their Champions League defence starts against Slovan Bratislava on Wednesday. The challenge will become considerably tougher in October, when Manchester City and Barcelona are among their opponents.

PSG have also reshaped their squad during the summer. Bradley Barcola has moved to Liverpool, while Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in and Ibrahim Mbaye have also left the club.

France international Maghnes Akliouche has joined PSG, with Ferran Torres arriving from Barcelona. Torres is already familiar with Enrique’s methods after working under him while playing for Spain.

“He was like a footballing father for me when I played for him in the national team,” Torres said after completing his move to Paris.

Enrique remains PSG’s most important asset. He has agreed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2030 and says his desire to succeed has grown rather than diminished.

“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,” he said.

PSG will now attempt to turn that ambition into a historic third successive Champions League triumph, a feat achieved by very few clubs in European football.

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