Desire Doue reveals Neymar inspiration ahead of UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan - ‘Always my favourite’
Published 30/05/2025 at 10:36 GMT+1
Paris Saint-Germain are aiming to make history this weekend when they face three-time winners Internazionale in the UEFA Champions League final. It is PSG's first appearance in the final since losing to Bayern Munich in 2020, and they head to Bavaria looking to become European champions for the first time. By doing so, Doue is looking to follow in the footsteps of a Brazilian superstar.
Doue on idol Neymar, settling at PSG and playing a Champions League final at 19
Video credit: TNT Sports
Paris Saint-Germain forward Desire Doue revealed the inspiration he has taken from Neymar heading into the UEFA Champions League final against Internazionale on Saturday.
Luis Enrique’s side go head-to-head with The Nerazzurri on Saturday – live on TNT Sports and discovery+ – and the talented young Frenchman explained how he modelled his game on the Brazilians.
Neymar won the Champions League under Enrique in 2015 during the duo's time together at Barcelona, and Doue is aiming to follow suit with the Parisians.
He told TNT Sports: "I’ve always been inspired by Neymar, [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, different types of players and different personalities.
"As a kid, Neymar was always my favourite and I would always try to recreate his moves. I just try to play my football and be myself on the pitch, doing what comes to mind at each moment and in each phase of play."
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a stellar first season with PSG since arriving from Rennes last August, and Doue spoke about his quick settling-in period and paid tribute to Enrique for improving his game.
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Doue continued: "I think confidence is a factor. Joining a new club is a big change, especially one like Paris Saint-Germain, which is one of the best clubs in the world.
"For me, it was a big step to take as a young player, but I was able to settle in quickly thanks to my team-mates and staff. I’ve always stayed disciplined and worked hard every day, and I knew working every day would pay off at some point.
"He [Enrique] helped me a lot since I arrived. There were a lot of new tactical elements for me to take in.
"He gave me advice and helped keep my confidence up when I wasn’t feeling great. Now, I feel great at Paris Saint-Germain and I thank him because it’s largely down to him."
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When speaking about the final as a whole, Doue highlighted his motivation to win what would be a first-ever Champions League title.
"It’s definitely the most important match of my career, by a long way! Some players will never play such a match, so I’m positive going into it, and I’m preparing with the team. Personally, I’m very excited about playing in this final, and I really want to bring the trophy back to Paris.
"It will take all the qualities of the group and a mentality like we’ve never shown before. We’ll go there to fight to win this trophy and we’ll leave everything on the pitch."
Thoughts?