Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed their traveling squad for the UEFA Champions League final, naming 24 players for the high-stakes clash against Arsenal in Budapest. The announcement ends weeks of speculation over the fitness of key personnel, with both Ousmane Dembélé and Achraf Hakimi declared fit and ready to feature. Manager Luis Enrique will lead his charges onto the morning flight on Friday, with the entire group settling into the Hungarian capital by early afternoon.
The inclusion of Dembélé and Hakimi is a massive boost for the French champions. Dembélé, with his blistering speed and trickery, has been a transformative figure since joining, providing a direct threat that stretches defenses and creates space for team-mates. Hakimi, equally rapid and tireless, offers width and a constant overlapping option on the right. Their availability means PSG can approach the final without compromising their attacking blueprint.
One surprise in the list is the call-up of midfielder Quentin Ndjantou. The young Frenchman has been sidelined since the winter break, nursing an injury that initially looked season‑ending. His return to full training had been kept deliberately low‑key, and his presence in the 24‑man group indicates a remarkable recovery. Ndjantou’s box‑to‑box energy and composure on the ball give Enrique an extra tool in midfield — a sector where Arsenal’s press will be relentless.
The full squad, while not publicly detailed in full, is understood to feature the usual cast of established stars and emerging talents. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marquinhos, and Kylian Mbappé are all part of the contingent, as expected. The absence of any late fitness concerns points to a smooth training week in Paris, allowing the coaching staff to focus entirely on tactical preparation rather than scrambling for replacements.
For PSG, this final is more than just a game — it is the culmination of a project built around winning Europe’s elite competition. After years of domestic dominance, the club hierarchy and supporters see lifting the trophy as the ultimate validation. Facing them is an Arsenal team that has defied pre‑season predictions, blending youthful audacity with a steely defensive record. The tactical battle between Enrique’s possession‑based, fluid attack and Mikel Arteta’s structured, counter‑pressing system will be fascinating.
The logistical rollout has been meticulous. The squad will base themselves at the Anantara hotel on Friday, a venue chosen for its proximity to the stadium and privacy. An afternoon training session at 4:45 p.m. on the Puskás Aréna turf will mark their first — and only — feel of the playing surface before kick‑off. Media obligations will have been discharged earlier, with Enrique and a player briefing the press at 3:30 p.m. These arranged press conferences often serve as a barometer of the group’s mindset, and reporters will be listening closely for any indication of the starting formation.
In a gesture that underlines the family‑oriented culture PSG have tried to cultivate, the club organized a dedicated flight for players’ relatives and staff’s loved ones. Up to five guests per player have been invited, arriving on the same Friday. Such moves, while logistically complex, are intended to create a bubble of comfort and motivation — reminding the athletes of the personal stakes beyond the pitch.
The story of Ndjantou’s comeback encapsulates the resilience required at the top level. Out since before the January break, he had to watch from the sidelines as his team‑mates advanced through the knockout rounds. His reintegration is not just a personal victory but also a testament to the medical and conditioning staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. For a young player, experiencing a Champions League final — even as a substitute — could be career‑defining.
History looms over PSG’s Champions League campaigns. The 2020 final loss to Bayern Munich, the capitulation against Real Madrid in 2022, and last season’s semi‑final exit have all etched scars into the club’s psyche. This time, the build‑up feels different: calmer, more assured, with fewer off‑field dramas. Having a full complement of players, including key contributors like Dembélé and Hakimi, and the unexpected bonus of Ndjantou, reinforces the sense that the pieces are aligning.
On Saturday evening, the world will watch to see if PSG can finally seize their moment. The return of a fully fit squad, the tactical decisions Enrique must make, and the atmosphere inside the Puskás Aréna will all converge. Whether Ndjantou gets minutes or not, his mere inclusion sends a message: PSG are leaving no stone unturned. The countdown to kick‑off is almost over.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
