by pressroom
Nomen omen, as the Latins said: a name is a sign. And the winner of the Golden Boy 2025 even has destiny written in his own name — in French, Doué means “gifted,” and Désiré means “desired.” It has been a dream year filled with triumphs for the 20-year-old born in Angers, in the Pays de la Loire, to an Ivorian father (Maho) and a French mother. He has won nearly everything: starting in January with the Trophée des Champions (the French Super Cup) held in Doha against Monaco, followed by the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, the long-coveted Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup. Only the Club World Cup slipped away at the very end, in New Jersey, where he took home “only” the silver medal. He also earned bronze with the French national team in the Nations League, eliminating hosts Germany in Stuttgart. A 2025 to frame and remember
forever. The highlight of his season remains the Champions League triumph on May 31 in Munich, where PSG demolished Inter 5–0 — their first ever victory in Europe’s most prestigious competition, coinciding with its 70th anniversary. Doué was the undisputed star, outshining even the future Ballon d’Or winner Dembélé, who failed to score. Désiré first provided a perfect assist for Hakimi’s opener, then sealed the match with a decisive brace that crushed the Nerazzurri’s hopes. 3–0 at halftime. UEFA rightly named him Player of the Match — and he had not yet turned 20. National team coach Didier Deschamps has since made him a regular starter for Les Bleus, where despite recent injuries, he has already earned five caps. Curiously, they even share the same initials — “DD” — pronounced Dedé. Doué wears the famous number 14 jersey, once worn by the legendary Johan Cruyff, though he candidly revealed he chose it in honor of former Juventus and PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi, now sporting director at Miami City (USL League Two).
“A tribute to a legendary player of great generosity and dedication, who always gave everything for Paris Saint-Germain,” said Désiré, who is under contract until 2029, earning €6 million net per year. His agent is Moussa Sissoko, who also represents Dembélé and Kolo Muani — but surprises in his future cannot be ruled out. Just last Wednesday in Lorient, the newly crowned Golden Boy was stretchered off with a serious right hamstring injury. Fortunately, it is not as severe as Kevin De Bruyne’s earlier surgery-requiring injury, but there is concern: Doué is expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks. He is now preparing to travel to Qatar for rehabilitation at the cutting-edge Aspetar New Recovery Center in Doha, considered the world’s leading orthopedic institute — where stars like Dembélé and 2020 Golden Boy Erling Haaland also recovered. Sincere best wishes for a speedy recovery!
