By Editor – June 1, 2025

MUNICH, GERMANY — History was made at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, May 31, as Willian Pacho became the first Ecuadorian ever to win the UEFA Champions League, helping Paris Saint-Germain crush Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.

The 23-year-old defender started the match alongside Brazil’s Marquinhos in PSG’s central defense, anchoring a backline that kept Inter’s attack — including Lautaro Martínez — scoreless in a stunning show of dominance. The French side’s goals came from Achraf Hakimi, Désiré Doué (2), Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Senny Mayulu.

A Landmark Achievement for Ecuador

Until now, no Ecuadorian player had ever lifted the Champions League trophy. Manchester United legend Antonio Valencia came closest, appearing in the 2011 final against Barcelona. Both Valencia and Pervis Estupiñán have won the UEFA Europa League — with Manchester United and Villarreal, respectively — but the Champions League had remained out of reach for Ecuadorian players.

That changed with Pacho’s confident performance on European football’s biggest stage, adding his name to a growing list of Ecuadorian talents making waves on the global scene.

Copa América Stars on Both Sides

The final also featured several stars from the ongoing CONMEBOL Copa América 2024™, with three players in PSG’s squad having participated in the tournament: Pacho for Ecuador, and Marquinhos and Lucas Beraldo for Brazil (the latter remained on the bench). On the other side, Argentina’s Lautaro Martínez — top scorer and champion of the last Copa América — started for Inter.

Pacho’s triumph is expected to be a source of inspiration for young Ecuadorian footballers dreaming of international glory.

Willian Pacho’s name is now etched in both Ecuadorian and UEFA Champions League history — and at just 23, his journey is only beginning.