Rio Ferdinand Names PSG's Doue, Barcelona's Yamal as Messi, Ronaldo Successors

Paris Saint-Germain secured a historic 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final, with 19-year-old Desire Doue delivering a standout performance by scoring twice and assisting once. Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand praised Doue alongside Barcelona's 17-year-old Lamine Yamal as potential successors to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting their breakout 2024-25 campaigns and impressive statistics. Doue, who joined PSG from Rennes last summer, has amassed 15 goals and nine assists in 54 appearances, while Yamal's 18 goals and 21 assists this season contributed to Barcelona's La Liga and Copa del Rey double. Despite caution from Steven Gerrard against early comparisons, Ferdinand emphasized how both players have emerged unexpectedly, outshining established stars like Haaland and Mbappé. Doue's instinctive and rapid style overwhelmed Inter, and his youthful composure was evident both on and off the pitch during the final. Their performances signal a potential changing of the guard in world football, marking the rise of new talents poised to follow in the footsteps of Messi and Ronaldo.