The 2024/25 season ended in emphatic fashion as **Paris Saint-Germain** secured their long-awaited UEFA Champions League title with a **historic 5–0 demolition of Inter Milan** in the final. The match wasn’t just a celebration of PSG’s triumph—it was also a **coming-of-age moment** for **19-year-old Désiré Doué**, whose electrifying display on Europe’s biggest stage has sent shockwaves through world football.
And now, his brilliance may have **unintended consequences**—specifically for **Barcelona’s defensive revelation, Pau Cubarsí**.
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### **A Star Is Born in Paris**
Signed for **€50 million** from Stade Rennais just last summer, **Désiré Doué** has gone from an exciting prospect to **global phenomenon** in just one campaign. Capable of playing on either wing or in a central attacking role, the French prodigy has become a key figure in Luis Enrique’s PSG revolution.
In the Champions League final, Doué stole the spotlight. He **scored twice**, added an **assist**, and terrorized Inter Milan’s backline all night—an unforgettable performance that has cemented his place among football’s next generation of elite talents.
With his combination of pace, flair, and vision, Doué has quickly drawn comparisons to the likes of **Lamine Yamal**—though many still believe Barcelona’s No. 27 operates on a level of his own.
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### **Golden Boy Race: Doué vs. Cubarsí**
Doué’s late-season surge has introduced serious complications for **Pau Cubarsí**, who had been seen as the **frontrunner** for the **2025 Golden Boy award**, presented annually by *Tuttosport* to Europe’s most outstanding U21 player.
The 17-year-old Barcelona center-back had enjoyed a phenomenal breakout season under Xavi and Hansi Flick, delivering calm, mature performances and helping the club secure a domestic treble. His composure, tactical intelligence, and passing range have drawn praise across Europe—and had placed him firmly in contention for the prestigious honor.
However, Doué’s heroics on the continental stage, particularly in the Champions League final, have significantly shifted the narrative. **His decisive impact on European glory could tip the scales** in his favor.
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### **Barcelona’s Golden Boy Legacy at Stake**
Barcelona is no stranger to the Golden Boy podium. The club boasts more winners than any other:
* **Lionel Messi** (2005)
* **Pedri** (2021)
* **Gavi** (2022)
* **Lamine Yamal** (2024)
If **Cubarsí** were to win it in 2025, Barcelona would further entrench its status as Europe’s leading producer of generational talent. But **Doué**, if victorious, would bring PSG just their **second-ever Golden Boy title**, following **Kylian Mbappé’s** win in 2017.
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### **Looking Ahead**
Though the award remains undecided, and Cubarsí’s performances in Spain’s summer fixtures or Barcelona’s preseason could reignite his chances, there’s no denying that **Désiré Doué now holds the advantage**. His Champions League heroics have left a lasting impression on voters—and reminded the footballing world that **a new French superstar is on the rise**.
As the battle for the 2025 Golden Boy crown intensifies, all eyes will be on these two wonderkids. One dominated Europe’s biggest stage; the other anchored a historic domestic campaign.
Only one can take home the prize.
