Five reasons why Paris Saint-Germain should be favourites for the FIFA Club World Cup

Some of Europe's biggest names head to the FIFA Club World Cup, all looking to be victorious in the newly revamped competition. 

However, as much as Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bayern Munich are fancied as winners of the tournament, it's not hard to look past the newly crowned European champions, Paris Saint-Germain. 

The French side cemented their place at the top of Europe's table with their resounding Champions League win and now head to the USA as arguably the team to beat. 

Here are five reasons why PSG should be the favourites to lift the FIFA Club World Cup trophy this month. 

They are the best team in Europe 

Actually, officially, and for the first time. 

PSG finally landed the big one last month by lifting the Champions League with the most emphatic win ever seen in the competition's final. Their victory to seal their first-ever European Cup wasn't just a win, but in thrashing Inter Milan 5-0, it sent a statement across Europe that the French side is now the continent's top dogs. 

It completed a first treble for the club after a second half to the season where they were head and shoulders above the rest. They now go into the Club World Cup with massive momentum and who'd now bet against them lifting another trophy? 

They have an elite manager 

There perhaps hasn't been enough love given to Luis Enrique outside of the clubs he's worked at before this season, but his achievements with PSG have cemented the Spaniard as one of the game's very best coaches. 

His Champions League win has put him alongside some esteemed company of managers who have won the competition with two different clubs, making him a legend in Paris by becoming the first manager to lead the club to that elusive win. 

It's a testament to his coaching ability how much better he's made several of the PSG players this season and then blending that talent together to deliver a team that has become the envy of Europe, especially after their lukewarm performances in the group phase of the competition. 

The 55-year-old will now get to pit his wits against the best in the world as he looks to mastermind another PSG triumph. 
PSG

They have the best player in the world? 

The race for the Ballon d'Or this year has the potential to be one of the most open it's been for years, with several outstanding candidates in the conversation to win the famous golden ball. Yet, after such a Champions League win and such a tremendous season, it's hard to look past Ousmane Dembele as the favourite to be this year's winner. 

The French winger has enjoyed his best-ever season in 2024-25, racking up 33 goals and 15 assists across the campaign, and being instrumental in PSG's trophy haul. There's never been any doubt about his talent, but this season he's taken his game to the next level by adding consistency and ruthlessness to his speed and trickery. 

A similar set of performances in the USA, and there could be only one choice left for this year's Ballon d'Or.
Getty Images

They have a frightening attack 

As well as Dembele, PSG's array of attacking options could be the difference-maker at the Club World Cup. 

The Champions League final was lit up by Desire Doue, who became the youngest player to score twice in a Champions League final with his brace and continues to impress and improve. Then there's the intelligence of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who was so good this season he was a title winner in France AND Italy, as well as Bradley Barcola and Goncalo Ramos, too. 

PSG have the ability to fire them past anybody, and that's bad news for the rest of the field first this month. 

Getty Images

They have a backline that can do everything 

PSG's attack may well be among the best, but their defence isn't half bad either, making them almost a complete team. 

Gianluigi Donnarumma showed throughout the Champions League campaign that he's back to his best and can now rank among Europe's top goalkeepers, and in front of him, a backline that includes one of the best full-backs in world football, too.

Achraf Hakimi is the quintessential modern-day full-back, with his defensive nous combining with his dangerous forays from the flanks, making him one of PSG's key players. 

Then there's Marquinhos, the warrior in the centre of the park who's seen it all in the French capital and is now leading this young group to new heights. 

Heights that could yet get even higher with success at the Club World Cup. 
Getty Images

Watch all 63 matches of the 2025 Club World Cup live on DAZN. More information and to sign up for a free account here.