WORDS Michael Harrold

How often do you see something truly original these days? Movies are endlessly franchised, music is often derivative and social media algorithms enforce conformity. So when something unique, something one of a kind comes along, you savour it. The 2025 Champions League final is such an occasion.

Somehow, given their European pedigree, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter have never met before. Some teams are forever crossing paths. This season alone, Paris played Arsenal in both the league phase and semi-finals, while Inter’s last-four meetings with Barcelona in 2010 and again this spring are now woven into the fabric of this great competition. But as for this final match-up, there is no history, no past encounters, no record between the sides. This is a clean slate, a game for the here and now, history ready to be written.

And what a game it promises to be. Paris’ exciting, attack-minded young side against an Inter team that has redefined what it means to never give up. Just when they look dead on their feet, they dig deeper and go again. And they have unfinished business.