UEFA Champions League final 2025: Five players to watch out for

After an exhilarating semifinal in the UEFA Champions League second leg, Inter and Paris St Germain are all set to face each other in the finals of the competition at Allianz Arena on 31st May. Inter Milan pipped Barcelona in a game which had remontada in the remontada, whereas Paris St Germain adjusted to the early Arsenal storm to book their place in the finals. 

In the second leg of the semifinals, Inter Milan led the game in the first half by a two-goal margin, whereas Barcelona were struggling to get going. However, when it was only three minutes left for the final whistle, Barcelona were edging ahead with a goal. But Inter had different plans as Acerbi and Frattessi ensured goals for Azzuris to march forward. 

On the other hand, Arsenal were chasing the game as they were a goal behind based on the first leg. The Gunners enjoyed the early possession and shots on target, but Donnarumma was a tough nut to crack. Against the run of play, PSG found a goal in the first half to double the aggregated lead, whereas in the second half, they tripled it as well. While Saka shelved the lead, PSG saw the game out to set up an exciting clash at Allianz Arena with Inter Milan.

Ahead of the UEFA Champions League final 2025, here are the top five players to watch out for: 

1) Ousmane Dembele 

With Mohamed Salah and Raphinha out of the Champions League, the entire Ballon d’Or advantage is now with Ousmane Dembélé. The French forward was competing with the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, but with PSG advancing into the finals, Ousmane Dembélé has an advantage in the race for best footballer of the year. 

The Paris Saint-Germain forward has 33 goals and 13 assists across all competitions in the ongoing campaign. In the French top flight, he has 21 goals and eight assists in 28 games, whereas in the UEFA Champions League, he has eight goals and four assists to his name. While Inter's defense was shaky against Barcelona, they are set to be beefed up according to Italian standards on 31st May, which will require Dembélé to be at the top of his form to lift PSG’s first-ever Champions League title.

2) Denzel Dumfries

Denzel Dumfries has been a revelation in the Champions League in the ongoing campaign. Dumfries has been touted to move away from Italy with other European giants interested in him for a long time but this campaign can be the right time. While in the first leg, he scored goals and logged in assists, in the second game as well, his assists proved lethal. 

While he had two dribbles and two tackles to his name, Denzel Dumfries’ contribution in the attack was nothing short of an achievement. His direct ground pass to Acerbi in injury time helped Inter score an equalizer, which in turn turned their fortunes around. Dumfries will be one of the players to watch, considering PSG’s attack and defense.

3) Yan Sommer 

If there is someone in Inter's team who kept them in the game despite falling behind in the final ten minutes, it is Yann Sommer. The Swiss shot-stopper was strong in front of the net and kept the scoreline intact. Yann Sommer’s spirited contribution between the sticks was the difference between the Azzurri reaching the finals and getting eliminated.

Against Barcelona, he had seven shots saved, and especially in extra time, Sommer stunned the opposition. With Paris Saint-Germain featuring the likes of Dembélé, Khvicha, and Barcola, who have tormented defenses, Sommer will have a big role to play.

4) Achraf Hakimi

While Inter has Denzel Dumfries, Achraf Hakimi is there for Paris St Germain. Arsenal will definitely not forget the nightmares Achraf Hakimi gave them in the second leg. He scored the goal in the second leg, which put the game beyond Arsenal’s reach. 

When Arsenal applied early pressure in the game, Achraf Hakimi kept his composure to settle in. He recorded five tackles to keep the wingers at bay while also pushing forward to contribute in attack. He had three shots in the game, which prevented Arsenal's fullbacks from advancing with ease. With Inter playing five at the back and a compact midfield, Hakimi’s ability to break down defenses while stopping counterattacks will be crucial.

5) Khvicha Kvaretskelia

Since the days of Napoli, Khvicha Kvaretskhelia has been a star on the wings. His pace has worried the best fullbacks and central defenders in the ongoing season, with him bagging four G/A in the Champions League. 

On the other hand, the Greek international has seven goals and six assists in the ongoing campaign across the two major leagues. He moved to the French capital in January, which has helped the side progress in the knockout stages against the likes of Arsenal and Aston Villa. Even against Arsenal in the second leg, he made key defensive contributions, winning two aerial duels and making five tackles, to help stem Arsenal's counterattacks, in addition to creating chances.