PSG will play its second consecutive Champions League final after overcoming Bayern Munich. The French side, led by Luis Enrique, won last season’s edition and now has the chance to emulate Real Madrid’s historic three-peat from nearly a decade ago. However, Arsenal arrives at the European showpiece with a higher squad value, making it the most valuable team among the semifinalists and giving them the economic edge heading to Budapest.
The total market value of the final surpasses €2.4 billion, with five players each valued at over €100 million. Bayern, initially considered favorites, disappointed at home. In fact, the final between PSG and Arsenal is remarkably close in terms of squad valuation: Arsenal’s squad is worth €1.23 billion, while PSG’s is valued at €1.21 billion—a mere €20 million difference. Notably, neither of the world’s two most valuable clubs, Real Madrid (€1.34B) and Manchester City (€1.31B), made it to the final.
From a footballing perspective, PSG appears to have the upper hand, given their more expansive style and recent European pedigree. The Parisians have reached the UCL semifinals for three consecutive seasons and thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in last year’s final—the largest margin in a UCL final. Arsenal, on the other hand, have not played a Champions League final since 2006, when they lost to Barcelona. Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta’s side boasts one key advantage: they remain unbeaten in this season’s competition, while PSG have lost twice (to Bayern and Sporting CP).
The final will feature two Spanish managers: Luis Enrique of PSG and Mikel Arteta of Arsenal, both leading their respective domestic leagues.
