PSG vs. Inter Milan: The duel between the giants in the Champions League final!

PSG vs. Inter Milan: The duel between the giants in the Champions League final!

On May 31, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan will face each other in the Champions League final, marking the first meeting between these two heavyweights in European football history. PSG, which has been under the management of Qatar Sports Investments since 2011, follows a strategy of unlimited investment to create a global brand. In contrast, Inter Milan, which was transferred to Oaktree Capital in 2024, has implemented a model of efficiency and financial control.

The financial differences between the two clubs are significant. PSG has personnel costs of 790 million euros, of which 659 million euros are wages. Inter Milan, on the other hand, has significantly lower personnel costs of 309 million euros, of which 227 million euros go to salaries.

Financial balance and success strategies

Despite spending heavily on transfers of over 823 million euros since the 2021/2022 season, Paris Saint-Germain has recorded a loss of over 440 million euros, even after stars like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar left the club. In contrast, Inter Milan have reduced their losses from €239 million in the 2020/21 season to just €27 million in the 2023/24 season and are forecast to be profitable next season.

Inter Milan have achieved a positive balance of 116 million euros this season while selling important players such as Romelu Lukaku, Achraf Hakimi and Andre Onana. This restructuring and the focus on cost control and long-term investments have allowed the club to remain stable in recent years.

Historical framework conditions

The Champions League final in Munich is only the second involving Italian and French teams since Olympique Marseille won the title against AC Milan in 1993. Inter Milan have appeared in a total of seven finals, winning three times (1964, 1965, 2010). After losing last year to Manchester City (0-1), Inter are now aiming to win their fourth title.

PSG has played in two previous finals but lost to Bayern Munich (0-1) in 2019-20 and remains the last French club to win a major European title - the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1995-96. French clubs have won just two of 15 major European finals so far, putting pressure on PSG to bring home its first Champions League title.

Games and players in focus

Inter have scored a total of 26 goals this Champions League season and have scored at least two goals in all six knockout games. The club has allowed possession of the ball 43.3% of the time to players over 30 years of age. PSG, on the other hand, has a player, Marquinhos, who has completed the third most passes in the season with his 1,051 passes.

On an individual level, Inter's Lautaro Martínez stands out, with the opportunity to become the first player from his club to score 10 goals in a European season. At PSG, Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi are notable with 13 line-breaking passes this season.

The interesting statistics and the different playing strategies of the two clubs make this final an exciting duel that is not only of sporting but also financial importance. While PSG pursues an offensive market strategy, Inter Milan relies on sustainability and efficient management.