When a goalkeeper saves four penalties in a final, you know the night will be remembered forever.
Paris Saint‑Germain captured the Intercontinental Cup after a nerve‑wracking shootout against Flamengo, closing out 2025 with a triumph that symbolized their most successful year ever. Russian goalkeeper Matvei Safonov became the hero of the night, stopping four consecutive penalties and sealing a 2‑1 victory on spot‑kicks after 120 minutes of tense football ended 1‑1. His teammates lifted him high in celebration, recognizing the man who turned the final in their favor.
This trophy in Doha completed PSG’s remarkable collection of six titles in 2025: the French Super Cup, Ligue 1, French Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and now their first global crown. It is worth noting that the UEFA Super Cup back in August was also decided by penalties, with PSG prevailing against Tottenham.
Vitinha, who converted PSG’s opening penalty, admitted the challenge was immense. “Flamengo are a very strong and competitive team. We gave everything, truly wanted to win, but in the end it still came down to penalties,” the Portuguese midfielder reflected.
During regulation time, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia put PSG ahead in the 38th minute, only for Flamengo to equalize in the 62nd when Marquinhos conceded a penalty that Jorginho calmly converted. The Brazilian side dreamed of adding a second Intercontinental Cup to their history after their 1981 triumph.
“It was a memorable year,” Jorginho said. “Mistakes are part of the game. I feel proud of the team’s effort and fight until the end, though it hurts to finish with defeat.”
Flamengo entered the final as champions of both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league, but against PSG’s composure and resilience from the spot, they had to settle for runners‑up.
For PSG, this was more than just another trophy—it was their first ever global title, a milestone that capped what many will call the greatest season in the club’s history. From one perspective, it was Safonov’s night of glory; from another, it was the collective proof that PSG can conquer not only Europe but the world.
