European heavyweights Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have unveiled their starting lineups ahead of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.
PSG head coach Luis Enrique has named a strong side, with key players Achraf Hakimi and Ousmane Dembélé both declared fit after overcoming recent injury concerns. The duo returns to the starting XI as the French champions aim to secure European football’s biggest prize.
Hakimi will operate on the right flank alongside the exciting Désiré Doué, while Dembélé spearheads an attacking unit that also features Georgian star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
In midfield, Vitinha, João Neves and Fabián Ruiz are tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo against an Arsenal side renowned for its energy and intensity.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has made a notable selection decision in attack, opting to start Kai Havertz ahead of summer signing Viktor Gyökeres. Havertz, who famously scored the winning goal in Chelsea’s 2021 Champions League triumph, will lead the line for the Gunners.
One of the biggest stories from Arsenal’s lineup is the inclusion of academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly, who starts in his preferred midfield role alongside Declan Rice and captain Martin Ødegaard.
Bukayo Saka returns to the starting lineup after recovering from injury concerns, joining Leandro Trossard in Arsenal’s attack. Noni Madueke, although fit, begins the match on the bench.
At the back, Ben White remains unavailable through injury, while Jurriën Timber has been named among the substitutes despite returning to fitness. As a result, Cristhian Mosquera continues at right-back and faces the daunting challenge of containing Kvaratskhelia and the adventurous Nuno Mendes down Arsenal’s right side.
The Champions League final promises an intriguing tactical battle, with both teams boasting world-class talent and aiming to etch their names into European football history.
PSG Starting XI:
Safonov; Hakimi, Pacho, Marquinhos, Mendes; Fabián Ruiz, Vitinha, João Neves; Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé.
Arsenal Starting XI:
David Raya; Cristhian Mosquera, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié; Declan Rice, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Ødegaard; Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.
