PSG and Marseille official lineups for champions trophy

Paris (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 08, 2026 – Paris Saint-Germain and Olympique de Marseille have unveiled their starting lineups for the 2025 Champions Trophy final at Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium. PSG coach Luis Enrique deploys Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé in attack, with Warren Zaïre-Emery at right-back. Marseille fields Amine Gouiri up front under Roberto De Zerbi, with Benjamin Pavard holding his defensive position. The Classique kicks off at 7 p.m. French time on Ligue 1+, promising tactical intrigue on neutral ground.

Football enthusiasts await the clash as both teams finalise preparations one hour before kick-off. Official lineups circulate widely across social media platforms.

PSG Lineup Showcases Attacking Flair and Defensive Tweaks

Paris Saint-Germain lines up with Louis Chevalier in goal. Warren Zaïre-Emery starts at right-back alongside Marquinhos and Pacho centrally, with Nuno Mendes on the left. The midfield features Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, and João Neves for balance. Up front, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Désiré Doué, and Ousmane Dembélé form a dynamic trio.

Football24/7 shared the confirmed XI on social media. Football24/7 @foet247europa said in X post, “PSG XI: Chevalier; Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, João Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Dembélé Marseille XI: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Højbjerg, Kondogbia; Emerson, Weah, Igor Paixão, Greenwood, Gouiri #TrophéedesChampions #PSGOM”

PSG XI: Chevalier; Zaïre-Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz, João Neves; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Dembélé

Marseille XI: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Højbjerg, Kondogbia; Emerson, Weah, Igor Paixão, Greenwood, Gouiri #TrophéedesChampions #PSGOM pic.twitter.com/KIFxaSofcX

— Football24/7 (@foet247europa) January 8, 2026

This selection reflects Luis Enrique’s preference for width and pace. Bradley Barcola shifts to the bench despite prior contributions. The midfield pivot prioritises control against Marseille’s press.

Marseille Opts for Gouiri-Led Attack with Experienced Backbone

Olympique de Marseille positions Germán Rulli between the posts. Benjamin Pavard anchors the right side of defence, partnered by Leonardo Balerdi and Carlos Medina. Pierre-Emerson emerges on the left. Midfield duties fall to Pierre-Emerson Højbjerg and Geoffrey Kondogbia, supporting attackers Timothy Weah, Mason Greenwood, Igor Paixão, and Amine Gouiri.

ABIAS STRONG provided a detailed confirmation of the teamsheets. ABIAS STRONG @Abiasstrong433 said in X post,

“PSG XI: Chevalier; Zaire Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabián Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia. MARSEILLE XI: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Emerson; Greenwood, Paixao; Gouiri.”

PSG XI: Chevalier; Zaire Emery, Marquinhos, Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Vitinha, Joao Neves, Fabián Ruiz; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia.

MARSEILLE XI: Rulli; Pavard, Balerdi, Medina; Weah, Hojbjerg, Kondogbia, Emerson; Greenwood, Paixao; Gouiri.

— ABIAS STRONG ⚽️🗣️ (@Abiasstrong433) January 8, 2026

Roberto De Zerbi selects Gouiri ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Pavard retains his place amid recent form questions. The setup emphasises counter-attacking potential.

Referee Thomas Léonard Oversees High-Stakes Classique

The Ligue de Football Professionnel appoints 44-year-old Thomas Léonard as referee. He averages 3.71 yellow cards per match, above Ligue 1 norms. Assistants Huseyin and Ludovic Reyes flank him, with Guillaume Paradis as fourth official. VAR duties go to Bastien Dechepy and Julien Schmitt.

Léonard distributes few red cards and penalties below average. Discipline proves pivotal in derbies. Coaches prepare benches accordingly.

Jaber Al-Ahmad Stadium Hosts Neutral-Venue Final

Kuwait’s Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium stages the encounter. The 60,000-capacity venue suits the fixture’s profile. Kick-off aligns at 7 p.m. French time for optimal viewing. Ligue 1+ broadcasts live nationwide.

Security arrangements separate fan groups. Pitch conditions favour possession play. Broadcast teams cover pre-match build-up.

Historical Rivalry Fuels Champions Trophy Intensity

PSG and OM contest France’s premier derby, the Classique. Marseille secured the trophy last September. Symbolic status elevates stakes. Past finals deliver drama and tactical shifts.

Lineups nod to historical battles. PSG seeks redemption. OM defends recent success. Neutral ground tempers hostilities.

Luis Enrique’s Tactics Target Marseille Vulnerabilities

Enrique deploys Zaïre-Emery’s versatility at right-back. Marquinhos and Pacho form a solid centre-back pairing. Nuno Mendes provides overlapping runs. Vitinha orchestrates from deep, joined by Ruiz and Neves.

Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Dembélé stretch defences. Barcola awaits impact substitution. Midfield trio dominates possession.

De Zerbi Balances Defence and Counter-Threat

De Zerbi pairs Højbjerg and Kondogbia for tenacity. Weah and Emerson offer width. Greenwood and Paixão cut inside. Gouiri leads the press.

Pavard, Balerdi, and Medina shield Rulli. Recent form influences bench options. Aubameyang lurks as game-changer.

Key Player Matchups Define Early Exchanges

Zaïre-Emery faces Paixão on the right. Marquinhos marks Gouiri centrally. Nuno Mendes challenges Weah. Vitinha duels Højbjerg in midfield.

Dembélé exploits spaces against Medina. Kvaratskhelia tests Pavard. Doué roams freely. These battles shape tempo.

Broadcast Coverage Reaches Global Audiences

Ligue 1+ delivers comprehensive transmission from 7 p.m. French time. Streaming extends to international markets. Pre-match segments preview lineups. Halftime assesses adjustments.

Commentators highlight Classique pedigree. Post-match analysis follows full-time. Highlights circulate rapidly.

Fan Anticipation Builds Around Lineup Revelations

Supporters react to bold selections across platforms. PSG faithful back Enrique’s attack-minded approach. Marseille fans rally behind Gouiri’s nod.

Social media buzz intensifies pre-kick-off. Stadium atmosphere charges with arrivals. Trophy presentation looms large.

Injury and Selection Context Informs Team News

PSG manages squad rotation post-busy schedule. Zaïre-Emery’s shift aids freshness. Marseille navigates Pavard’s dip with trust. Gouiri earns start through training.

No major injuries reported pre-match. Benches hold firepower. Tactical flexibility remains key.

Trophy Legacy Adds Pressure to Lineup Choices

The Champions Trophy crowns season’s curtain-raiser. Marseille’s September triumph sets narrative. PSG aims to reassert dominance. Kuwait staging neutralises home bias.

Coaches fine-tune via selections. Early goals prove decisive historically. Refereeing scrutiny heightens focus.