PSG-Inter 2025 vs OM-AC Milan 1993: the disturbing similarities that make Paris dream

Tonight, May 31, 2025, PSG enters the Allianz Arena in Munich to challenge Inter in the Champions League final, with the hope of winning their first European title. The fiery Parisian fans have only one date in mind: 1993. That year, Olympique Marseille became the first French club to lift the Big Ears Cup, in Monaco, against Milan. On social networks and in heated discussions, the parallels between these two finals accumulate and the reasons to believe in them for Paris accumulate. So, get out your scarves, let’s dive into these spine-tingling similarities!

Monaco, the theater of French dreams

Let’s start with the setting: Munich. In 1993 OM triumphed at the Stadio Olimpico against Milan. In 2025, PSG plays at the Allianz Arena, a few kilometers away, against Inter, the Rossoneri’s close and historic rival. “Monaco is our talisman!” » exclaims a fan at What if history stuttered to give PSG its moment of glory? The fans believe it: «1993, OM beat Milan in Munich. 2025, PSG against Inter… same city, same destiny?»

A foreign coach for a European epic

In 1993, OM was led by Raymond Goethals, a Belgian with legendary charisma, nicknamed “the sorcerer” for his tactical strikes. In 2025, PSG relies on Luis Enrique, the Spaniard with the flamboyant style, who has transformed a team bereft of stars into a collective steamroller. «Goethals in 93, Luis Enrique in 25: two foreign coaches who speak loudly and play on the attack.» The two coaches share this tactical audacity, capable of destabilizing giants such as Milan or Inter. Luis Enrique, with his ultra-attacking 4-3-3 and his intelligent adjustments (like against Arsenal at half-time), recalls the courage of Goethals, who gagged the Milanese stars with suffocating pressing.

Lose a star, gain a soul

Here’s a similarity that gets people talking: in 1992, OM lost Jean-Pierre Papin, its best scorer, who left for Milan. Despite this hard blow, the Marseilles reinvented themselves around a collective led by Deschamps, Desailly and Boli. In 2024, PSG sees Kylian Mbappé, their jewel, leave the ship. But under the leadership of Luis Enrique, Paris is reborn with a young and united team, led by jewels such as Barcola, Zaire-Emery and Doué. “We lost Mbappé, like OM lost Papin. What if this was the trigger to win it all? » he asks the X tweeters. In 1993, OM proved that a hungry collective can tear down mountains. In 2025, PSG seems to be following the same path, with a group that plays for history, not ego.

An Italian opponent, a fratricidal duel

In 1993 OM challenged Milan, the sacred monster of European football. In 2025 PSG faces Inter, the other giant of the Lombard city. This parallel excites the fans: «Milan 93, Inter 25, it’s like a fight between enemy brothers, and in Monaco France always wins!» The two Milanese clubs, then as now, arrive as favourites, full of stars (Van Basten and Baggio in ’93, Lautaro Martinez and Thuram in ’25). But OM knew how to exploit the defects of an overly self-confident AC Milan. Today Inter, exhausted by a complicated end to the season (three defeats in the last five games), could falter in the face of Parisian enthusiasm.

The year of the format change

In 1993 the Champions League had just adopted a new format. This season too the competition has evolved, changing the situation for all title contenders

A mutant guardian who runs the house

In 1993, Fabien Barthez, then a young OM goalkeeper, dazzled Europe with his reflexes and his confidence in the face of Milan’s attacks. In 2025, Italian PSG giant Gianluigi Donnarumma is the spiritual heir of “Barthez the Divine”. With his decisive saves against Arsenal (three saves in the semi-finals) and Manchester City (four saves in the quarter-finals), Donnarumma is the rock Paris relies on. “Donnarumma, it’s Barthez, 15cm taller and with an Italian accent!” » jokes a fan

A France (almost) united behind its champion

In 1993 all of France (or almost) supported OM, despite the rivalries. In 2025, PSG will benefit from unexpected domestic momentum. Basile Boli, hero of 1993, told franceinfo: «I’m Marseille, but I want to see a French club win. Come on Paris! » Even Zinédine Zidane, Marseille legend, slipped in a word of encouragement. On Rather swallow a cold bouillabaisse! «. However, this Italian momentum, as in 1993, gives PSG wings. «France wants a new star and we will get it!»

A final with high media tension

In 1993, OM played before the eyes of a tranced France, with enormous media pressure. In 2025, PSG is at the center of a similar vortex. Social networks amplify the craze: #PSGARS and #UCL monopolize trends on X, with hilarious memes (Marquinhos as Basile Boli, Luis Enrique as conductor) and optimistic statistics (41.9% chance of victory for PSG). In 1993 it was TF1 and the paper newspapers; today the live shows of X, TikTok and Twitch are the backdrop. But the main thing remains: an entire country holds its breath.

Why can Paris believe it?

• Monaco, promised land: the city was crowned OM in 93 and statistics show that it likes newcomers.
• The collective above all: like OM without Papin, PSG without Mbappé have rediscovered their team spirit.
• A bold foreign coach: Luis Enrique, like Goethals, can turn the game around with a stroke of tactical genius.
• A heroic guardian: Donnarumma, Barthez’s worthy successor, is ready to close up shop.
• France in support: Even the people of Marseille (at least some) dream of a tricolor feat.

This evening, in Munich, PSG has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of OM in 1993. The similarities are there, like winks of fate. So, let the drums beat, let the smoke bombs light and let Paris shake Europe like Marseille did 32 years ago. Come on Paris, bring home the Cup and let’s sing until dawn on the Champs-Élysées!