Matvey Safonov helped Paris Saint-Germain win their sixth trophy of 2025 by saving Flamengo in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday with four consecutive penalty saves.
The Russian goalkeeper was thrown into the air by his team-mates after his performance in the penalty shootout, which PSG won 2-1 after extra time and a 1-1 draw.
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It has been a trophy-filled 12 months for the French side, who have already won the Troffes des Champions, the French League, the French Cup, the Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup, as well as a penalty shoot-out victory over Tottenham in August.
PSG took the lead in the 38th minute with a goal from Juvica Kvaratschelia, while Flamengo were looking to win their second Intercontinental Cup title since 1981, with Marquinhos conceding Jorginho’s penalty in the 62nd minute.
Flamengo have won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship in recent weeks.
This was PSG’s first world title.
star backup
Safonov, PSG’s reserve goalkeeper, had not played a single minute for the team until summer signing Lucas Chevalier injured his ankle at the end of November.
Chevalier was healthy enough to be on the bench against Flamengo, but Safonov held his place and was ultimately the hero of the shootout with consecutive saves from Saul Niguez, Pedro, Leo Pereira and Luis Araujo.
Of the nine penalty kicks, only three resulted in goals. First it was Flamengo’s Samuel Lino, then PSG’s Vicinha and Nuno Mendes.
Ousmane Dembele, who was named Best Men’s Player of the Year in 2025 at Tuesday’s FIFA Awards, was one of only two players to fail to score a spot goal for PSG.
running in europe
PSG’s success continued to see European teams win in the Intercontinental Cup finals. The Intercontinental Cup was held for over 40 years until 2004, when it was renamed the Club World Cup.
FIFA last year revamped the Club World Cup as a 32-team summer tournament, with the first edition being held this year, but after PSG lost to Chelsea in the final, the Intercontinental Cup was reinstated.
The last non-European team to win the Club World Cup or renamed Intercontinental Cup was Corinthians in 2012.
flamengo trophy
Despite the defeat, Flamengo returned from the Intercontinental Cup with two trophies in hand. Awarded by FIFA if you win an inter-federation match to advance to the finals.
Flamengo defeated Cruz Azul in a match that the organizers classified as the “American Derby”. The Brazilian champions then defeated Pyramid 2-0 in what was essentially a playoff to advance to the finals, winning the Challenger Cup.
The Intercontinental Cup featured six teams that won continental titles in each FIFA federation. PSG advanced directly to the final as European Champions League winners.
