Paris Saint-Germain finally added the Fifa Intercontinental Cup to their growing trophy collection after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Flamengo. Rugby World Cup 2027, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov emerging as the unlikely hero. The Russian shot-stopper saved four penalties as PSG claimed a 2–1 shootout victory following a 1–1 draw after extra time. Sealing their sixth piece of silverware in an extraordinary 2025 season.
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Safonov, 26, was handed the biggest night of his PSG career despite the recent return to fitness of France international Lucas Chevalier. He initially stumbled, conceding Flamengo’s first penalty, but responded with remarkable composure. One by one, he denied the next three Brazilian takers. Shifting the momentum decisively in Paris’s favour and setting the stage for Bradley Barcola to convert the winning kick.
Flamengo goalkeeper Agustin Rossi briefly kept the contest alive by saving Barcola’s first attempt, allowing Luiz Araujo the chance to draw level. But Safonov was not finished. He produced another sharp save to repel Araujo’s effort. Sparking wild celebrations as teammates rushed towards him before lifting him into the air.
PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi was quick to congratulate the keeper, whose performance will live long in the club’s history. The night carried an added sense of redemption for Safonov, who has spent much of the year in the shadows. Gianluigi Donnarumma had been the undisputed number one as PSG swept domestic honours, winning Ligue 1, the French Super Cup and the Coupe de France.
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Rugby World Cup: From Third Choice to Trusted on the Biggest Stage
Donnarumma also stood between the posts when PSG demolished Inter Milan 5–0 in Munich to claim their first Champions League title. Safonov remained understudy during the Fifa Club Rugby World Cup in the United States, and his status seemed further diminished when head coach Luis Enrique sold Donnarumma to Manchester City and recruited Chevalier from Lille.
Chevalier made an immediate impact, debuting in August’s European Super Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur and holding his place until injury struck against Monaco in early December. That setback opened the door for Safonov, who seized his moment on the grand stage in Qatar. The final, played at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, was tense and physical.
PSG took the lead just before half-time through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, but Flamengo, fresh from their Copa Libertadores triumph in November, hit back. Jorginho calmly converted a penalty in the 61st minute after Marquinhos tripped Giorgian de Arrascaeta, forcing extra time and eventually penalties. PSG midfielder Warren Zaïre-Emery praised the collective effort afterwards.
He said the team could be proud of their performance against a strong opponent, but stressed that focus must quickly turn to the challenges ahead, with the toughest part of the season still to come. The squad will return to France to begin the defence of their Coupe de France crown, starting with a tie against fifth-tier Vendée Fontenay Foot. Their success in Qatar places PSG in rare company, making them only the third club.
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Rugby World Cup Final: Only Chelsea denies PSG Ultimate Perfection.
Afterward Barcelona in 2009 and Bayern Munich in 2020, to win all three domestic trophies alongside the Champions League, European Super Cup and Intercontinental Cup in a single cycle. A perfect seven narrowly escaped them after defeat to Chelsea in July’s Club Rugby World Cup final. Elsewhere, attention is turning to the New Zealand Rugby World Cup.
Where an end-of-year review of the All Blacks could prompt changes to the coaching staff. Leon MacDonald departed in 2024, while Jason Holland chose not to reapply for his assistant role after his contract ended. With modern coaching contracts offering greater flexibility, a reshuffle or external appointment remains possible.
In an ideal scenario, Scott Robertson and New Zealand Rugby World Cup Final would love to lure current Springboks attack coach Tony Brown into the All Blacks setup ahead of 2026, though availability remains uncertain. The previous All Black playmaker has been training abroad for his career after signing 208 times for Harlequins, and has been deliberated as a choice for the obtainable role.
The All Blacks training group. Evans played 16 eras for the All Blacks over three years, and has been an associate trainer at both Harlequins and England meanwhile. Sky Sport critic Tony Johnson said on the DSPN Podcast with Martin Devlin that his midair skills know-how could be a key aim for Evans to be required for the part. Jane’s work with the Storms might also help him advantage the part over the other applicants.
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