They already have the trophy. They already have the taste. And according to Ousmane Dembele, that has only made Paris Saint-Germain more dangerous. On the eve of Saturday's UEFA Champions League final in Budapest, PSG's star forward stepped before the cameras at the Puskas Arena and delivered a message that Arsenal and every football fan watching should take very seriously — the defending champions are not here to make up the numbers.
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| Ousmane Dembele addressed reporters at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 29, 2026, the eve of PSG's Champions League final clash with Arsenal. Photo: PSG on X |
"We're Hungry" — Dembele's War Cry Before the Final
Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele insisted his team are still hungry for European glory ahead of Saturday's Champions League final clash with Arsenal. The French side claimed the trophy for the first time last season and are defending their crown in Budapest against Mikel Arteta's side, who are yet to win it. "We're enjoying every moment, we're very focused… we have a young squad, incredible staff and incredible players who want to win trophies," Dembele told reporters at the Puskas Arena. "We're hungry to win every trophy, whether it's the Champions League, the league, or the cup. We're competitors — if we want to be great players, we have to win this kind of trophy several times. We're hungry, and we hope everything goes well tomorrow."
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| PSG trained at the Puskas Arena in Budapest on the eve of the Champions League final, with Marquinhos and the squad looking sharp ahead of Saturday's showpiece. Photo: AFP |
Marquinhos: Tasting It Makes You Want It More
Captain Marquinhos had his own message — and it was equally powerful. PSG captain Marquinhos said after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in last year's Champions League final, the Ligue 1 side had gained a taste for success which had to be sated. "Once you win the Champions League, once you taste that title, once you taste that moment, you want so badly to relive moments like that again," the Brazilian defender told reporters at the Puskas Arena. "I still remember today the feeling and emotion in the dressing room after that final. And for us, as competitors, we always want to feel that emotion. And again, we have to be hungry, we have to have motivation."
He added: "So the motivation, the hunger, and the ambition to win this title have not changed since last year. And maybe it's even stronger because we've tasted it."
His father is even driving across Europe to be there. Marquinhos revealed: "My father, even, with friends, is on his way by car. You have people who came from far away to push us on."
The Injury Scare That Almost Derailed Everything
There was a moment in May when PSG fans held their breath. Dembele suffered a calf problem earlier in May but said he was never worried he would miss the final. "No I wasn't scared about missing the final, I stopped as soon as I felt the niggle," explained the PSG attacker. "I had 10 to 15 days to get myself in shape."
He is fit. He is focused. And a player who won the Ballon d'Or last year will be desperate to cap another extraordinary season with another European trophy.
A Ballon d'Or Holder With Even More to Prove
Dembele won the Ballon d'Or last year after starring in PSG's run to European glory and if they triumph again could be in line for another. "(Winning that) hasn't really changed the way I am or the way I play. I do know, though, that I've had a lot more responsibility since I arrived at Paris Saint-Germain," said the former Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund forward. "Right now I'm trying to perform well on the pitch, whether it's in the big matches or the smaller ones. I still have that desire, that hunger to win trophies with this club, with all the staff and this squad, and that's the only thing in my head."
What Arsenal Must Stop
Arsenal under Mikel Arteta arrive in Budapest as Premier League champions — but without a Champions League title to their name. The French side are defending their crown against Mikel Arteta's side, who are yet to win the trophy.
For Arsenal, Saturday is a chance to end a long wait for European glory. For PSG, it is a chance to prove they are not just a one-season wonder — but a dynasty in the making.
Two heavyweight clubs. One trophy. One night in Budapest. The stage is set.
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