More than 15,000 football enthusiasts took to the digital polls to evaluate Paris Saint-Germain’s players following their dramatic 1-1 draw against Arsenal and subsequent victory on penalties (4-3) in the UEFA Champions League final held in Budapest. The online community’s ratings revealed a more generous assessment than that of professional journalists, particularly for the club’s Spanish manager.

Luis Enrique shines in fan ratings

Luis Enrique, the architect behind PSG’s historic back-to-back Champions League triumphs, received a 7.6 average from fans, significantly higher than the 6 awarded by the editorial team. His tactical acumen and leadership were widely praised, with many highlighting his ability to steer the team through a grueling final.

Defensive trio standout performances

The defensive backbone of the Parisian side earned strong marks from supporters. João Neves, whose relentless energy redefined midfield dynamics after PSG’s equalizer, topped the ratings with a 7.2. Both Marquinhos (6.6) and Willian Pacho (6.6) rounded out the podium, with the Brazilian captain also securing a 7 from the press corps.

The full-back duo of Achraf Hakimi (6.2) and Nuno Mendes (6.0) received uniformly positive feedback, though the latter faced criticism from journalists for a missed penalty during the shootout. Hakimi’s consistent defensive contributions and attacking threat were widely appreciated by online voters.

Goalkeeping and midfield insights

Matveï Safonov, who saw limited action during the final, still managed a 6.2 rating from fans, eclipsing the 5 awarded by reporters. Vitinha, despite being forced off due to cramps, earned a 6.4—a notable improvement over the editorial score of 5—with many citing his impactful presence in midfield.

In contrast, Fabian Ruiz (5.8) underperformed in fan evaluations, likely reflecting an uneven start to the match marked by uncharacteristic errors. His struggles contrasted with the composure displayed by his teammates in high-pressure moments.

Offensive contributions and Arsenal’s ratings

The attacking trio of Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia all received ratings above 6 from fans, with the Georgian winger’s contribution—including the crucial penalty that restored parity—earning him a 6.2. Arsenal’s players, however, fared far worse in online assessments, with an average team rating of 4.9 compared to the press’s 5.0.

Among the Gunners, David Raya (6.1), William Saliba (5.9), and Kai Havertz (5.8)—the lone goal scorer—received the highest marks, aligning closely with editorial scores. Conversely, Jurrien Timber (4.6), Viktor Gyökeres (4.2), Bukayo Saka (4.5), and midfield anchor Declan Rice (5.3) faced sharper criticism from the online community.

Arsenal’s manager scores lowest

Mikel Arteta’s tactical approach drew the most unfavorable feedback, with fans rating him a 4.1—just a tenth of a point above the editorial score of 4. His subdued demeanor during critical phases of the match was a recurring point of contention among supporters.

The stark contrast between fan and editorial ratings highlighted the emotional investment of PSG’s global fanbase, whose passion often translated into more lenient assessments of their heroes in victory.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter