Paris Saint-Germain, after securing a spot in the Champions League final against Arsenal with a hard-fought 6-5 aggregate victory over Bayern Munich, has fueled discussions about their status as the world's preeminent football club. Coach Luis Enrique asserted his team's superiority following the 1-1 draw in Munich, where Ousmane Dembélé's early goal was cancelled out by Harry Kane's late equalizer. This result propels PSG to their second consecutive Champions League final.
PSG reached their second successive Champions League final by defeating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate, with a 1-1 draw in the semi-final second leg. This achievement has amplified claims that Paris Saint-Germain is currently the best team in the world.
Luis Enrique's comments following the Bayern match indicate a strong conviction in his team's current form and standing. Despite failing to secure a top-eight spot in the league phase of the competition, which necessitated Champions League playoffs, Enrique stated, "there was no better team than his Paris Saint-Germain side." This declaration comes in the wake of a season where the club is also competing for the Premier League title.
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The narrative surrounding PSG has seen a shift, particularly after the departure of star player Kylian Mbappé to Real Madrid. Contrary to expectations of a decline, reports suggest PSG has exhibited improved performance both offensively and defensively. Luis Enrique himself has alluded to the team's enhanced capabilities post-Mbappé, noting PSG's status as an unbeaten team in Europe's top five leagues after 20 games as evidence of their sustained strength and consistency.
Further bolstering these claims are results from the FIFA Club World Cup. A decisive 4-0 victory over Real Madrid saw PSG ascend to the top of the 'Opta Power Rankings', dislodging Liverpool. While the official crowning as world champions awaited a final match against Chelsea, this performance, coupled with their domestic and European successes, led some analysts to declare them "the world's best football team" even before the tournament's conclusion.
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The club's recognition as "Best Team in the World" in September 2025, as reported by beIN Sports, considered factors beyond trophy count, including style of play, consistency, and collective effort. This award cemented the perception of PSG as a robust, competitive entity, transcending reliance on individual star power and establishing itself as a global benchmark in football. The Club World Cup final, where they ultimately fell to Chelsea, was the only significant title to elude them that year.
Even amidst debates about individual player impacts, such as Ousmane Dembélé's increased output since Mbappé's exit, the collective success of PSG has been highlighted. Performances like the 4-0 thrashing of Real Madrid in the Club World Cup have been cited as proof of their dominance, drawing comparisons to dynastic teams of the past and suggesting an opportunity for PSG to reach "the next level" in subsequent seasons.
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