Can PSG Pull Off a Champions League Three-Peat?

Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain have firmly established themselves as one of the top teams in the Champions League by winning back-to-back titles. Now, their ambition is set on achieving a rare three consecutive wins, a feat few clubs have managed.

The Challenge Ahead

PSG captain Marquinhos admitted, "Doing the treble is the objective, but we know it's going to be very difficult and that there will be obstacles in our way," just before the new season began.

After years of falling short in Europe, the Qatar-owned club transformed under the leadership of former Barcelona and Spain coach Luis Enrique, who joined in 2023. His first season saw them reach the semi-finals, and things escalated following the departure of star player Kylian Mbappe in 2024.

Without relying on just one or two superstars, PSG dominated Europe, capturing their first Champions League trophy in 2025 with an emphatic 5-0 win over Inter Milan in the final. The following year, they edged out Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties in Budapest, becoming only the second team since 1992 to retain the title.

Joining Legendary Company

A three-peat in today's Champions League would place PSG among legendary company. Real Madrid achieved it from 2016 to 2018 under Zinedine Zidane. Back in the 1970s, Ajax led by Johan Cruyff and Bayern Munich under Franz Beckenbauer also won three straight European Cups. Even earlier, Alfredo Di Stefano’s Madrid won five consecutive titles between 1956 and 1960.

Yet, the demands are higher now than ever. The current Champions League format means PSG played 17 matches during each of their title runs. Across the last two seasons, they've appeared in 121 competitive games, with only a brief three-week break for the Club World Cup.

Strengths and Risks

When firing on all cylinders, PSG is breathtaking. Their attack, spearheaded by Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, moves at terrifying speed, bolstered by full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes. In midfield, the creative trio led by Portuguese playmaker Vitinha can control matches against physically tougher opponents.

Still, such a heavy schedule might take a toll. Many players were involved in major 2024 tournaments and had limited rest due to the World Cup. This might explain why PSG appeared a bit sluggish early this season. Despite this, their lead in Ligue 1 remains substantial, allowing them to rotate key players to keep them fresh for European clashes.

Upcoming Fixtures and Squad Changes

Their Champions League group starts with a seemingly manageable match against Slovan Bratislava, but challenges will ramp up quickly with visits to Manchester City and hosting Barcelona in October.

PSG rarely sell stars, but they parted ways with Bradley Barcola, who moved to Liverpool for a significant fee. Other squad players like Goncalo Ramos, Lee Kang-in, and Ibrahim Mbaye were also sold. New arrivals include Maghnes Akliouche, a French World Cup participant, and Ferran Torres, who scored Spain’s decisive goal at the World Cup and previously played under Luis Enrique.

"He was like a footballing father for me when I played for him in the national team," Torres said after signing from Barcelona.

Luis Enrique’s Long-Term Vision

Luis Enrique has become the driving force behind PSG’s success. Recently, he signed a new contract extending his stay until 2030. He commented, "It is the first time I have stayed four years at the same club, and I am more motivated than I was in my first year," emphasizing that his hunger remains strong. That determination could spell trouble for PSG’s rivals as they chase the historic three-peat.