Before the highly anticipated 2025 Champions League final, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was a team often criticized for its tendency to crumble under the weight of lofty expectations. In past seasons, even with superstars like Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe gracing the pitch, PSG found themselves unable to overcome the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, or Manchester City in Europe's premier club competition.

Over the last decade, PSG resembled a talented Hollywood actor perpetually overlooked during the Oscars—rich, ambitious, and brimming with potential yet ultimately overshadowed by more established rivals. Until the team’s recent dazzling performance in Munich on May 31, where they delivered a stunning 5-0 defeat to Inter Milan, PSG could easily have been likened to Leonardo DiCaprio before he finally secured his first Academy Award.

DiCaprio’s long-awaited Oscar win in 2016 came on the heels of his intense portrayal of Hugh Glass in "The Revenant," a film that showcases resilience in the face of adversity. In a parallel fashion, PSG's journey towards success has been characterized by a newfound determination. The setting may have changed from the icy wilderness to the air-conditioned confines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, but the essence of resilience remained steadfast as PSG battled through the Club World Cup held in the American South.

During one of the tournament's most anticipated fixtures against the formidable Bayern Munich, PSG faced relentless pressure for nearly 80 minutes. The match was a brutal encounter that left striker Desire Doue battered yet pivotal. Despite going through a physically demanding game, he managed to score a decisive goal in the 78th minute, which was significant for a team often criticized for its fortitude.

Head coach Luis Enrique, reflecting on the match, emphasized the resilience of his squad. “We’ve spoken a lot about resilience and we are a resilient team,” he noted. “The result doesn’t matter. We suffered a lot during this past season. But we suffered together.” This sentiment encapsulates the team's journey, as they navigated challenges throughout the season, particularly in league play where their performance often fell short of expectations.

Previously, PSG had faced harsh criticism for their inconsistency, especially after disappointing losses against Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, and Bayern, which left them languishing in 15th place in the overall table before the Champions League knockout phase. For a time, it seemed they were on the same path as their previous coaches, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, who also boasted star-studded lineups but fell short of glory.

However, following their Champions League victory, PSG shifted its focus toward sustaining this success. Rather than seeing the Club World Cup as an inconvenient challenge, they embraced the opportunity to rewrite their narrative. With a squad filled with youthful exuberance, including fresh talents like Doue, Bradley Barcola, Vitinha, and Joao Neves, PSG demonstrated that they could continue to grow and evolve even under pressure.

Leading 1-0 despite being down two men late in the game, PSG showcased their fighting spirit as they pushed for a second goal. Ousmane Dembele, who came off the bench, scored a crucial second goal in the dying moments of added time, sealing a vital victory that sent waves of excitement through the stadium. The jubilation was evident as he celebrated with teammate Achraf Hakimi, embodying the synergy that defines this new PSG.

Despite Bayern's superior sharpness, PSG's players were driven by a fierce desire for revenge, stemming from a previous defeat to the German giants. Barcola, reflecting on their motivation, acknowledged the emotional stakes involved, stating, “It’s really that feeling of revenge because we lost at their place.” This loss had galvanized the team, igniting a fire that propelled them forward in their quest for excellence.

PSG's triumph over Inter finally silenced the doubters who had long viewed them as champions in their domestic league but lacking the mental toughness to perform on the European stage. Their recent victory against Bayern further affirmed their mental strength and resilience, qualities essential for any true champion.

Captain Marquinhos highlighted the significance of this mindset, noting, “We can really learn from this match because it took us out of our comfort zone.” He emphasized that efficiency in front of goal was the key to their success, but he also credited the change in mentality to their new manager. “Our coach — he brought his philosophy, his mindset, and he prepared the team very well from the first day he arrived,” he explained.

Enrique's approach has been transformative, instilling a sense of collective responsibility among the players, shifting the focus from individual stardom to team cohesion. As PSG prepares for their next challenge against Real Madrid at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the excitement builds. With a reunion with Mbappe on the horizon, the question remains: can this battle-ready PSG transition from conquering Europe to scaling the heights of the world?