Luis Enrique, the 55-year-old head coach of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), became the center of controversy after losing his temper and striking an opposing player during a clash immediately following the club's FIFA Club World Cup final defeat.
PSG suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat to Chelsea from the English Premier League in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on the 14th (Korea time). This loss quashed PSG's historic quest for a quintuple.
This season, PSG dominated the European stage by winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, the Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League in succession. However, they collapsed helplessly on the final stage that determines the world's best club, failing to conclude a perfect season.
The issue arose after the game. During a heated exchange between players, Luis Enrique lost control himself. PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Chelsea's João Pedro (24) were engaged in a tense confrontation, which escalated with Achraf Hakimi's involvement. At that moment, Coach Enrique rushed onto the field, pushing away Presnel Kimpembe, and was seen on the broadcast striking Pedro in the neck area.
According to Spanish media outlet Marca, during a post-match conversation with the internal coaching staff, Enrique said, "I was foolish. (Pedro) pushed me quietly, and when I touched him, he fell on purpose," expressing regret for his actions, which was captured clearly by 'DAZN' camera.
FIFA has applied strict standards for violent conduct, even if the incident occurred after the match. Locally, there is no denying the possibility of disciplinary action against Coach Enrique. Especially since a clear video of Pedro falling was captured, there are analyses suggesting follow-up measures are inevitable.
Nevertheless, PSG management has fully backed the coach. PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi strongly asserted during a mixed zone interview, "We are with the most respected and thoroughly disciplined coach in the world. He got caught up in trying to stop a fight. The coach should also be protected."
This incident, coupled with the club's World Cup final defeat, has further soured the conclusion of PSG's season. Despite achieving multiple championships, the entire team finds itself in an awkward situation due to Enrique's outburst.
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