Budapest – 31.05.2026: After the thrilling 1-1 draw in the Champions League final against Arsenal and the subsequent 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout, several Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players conspicuously wore ski goggles during the celebrations on the Puskás Arena pitch. Among them were Désiré Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. This unusual choice quickly attracted the attention of fans and media.
Ski goggles were originally designed to protect skiers from sun, wind, and snow. However, in the USA, a tradition has developed in which athletes wear such goggles during celebrations after winning titles. This practice started in baseball and later spread to other sports like basketball and football. The main purpose is to protect against champagne sprays, which frequently occur during victory celebrations.
The use of ski goggles at victory celebrations is widespread in the USA. As early as 1986, baseball player Bobby Ojeda of the New York Mets wore swimming goggles during celebrations after the World Series. In 2004, the Boston Red Sox celebrated their title wearing protective goggles to shield their eyes from champagne sprays. Since then, this tradition has expanded to various sports.
Although the use of ski goggles by PSG players during the Budapest celebrations caused some confusion, it is likely that they wore them for practical reasons: to protect their eyes from champagne sprays. This practice is widespread in the USA and has now also become established in Europe.
The PSG celebrations after winning the Champions League were full of joy and exuberance. The players, including Ousmane Dembélé, who received the trophy, wore the ski goggles throughout the celebrations on the pitch and later at the team hotel. These images quickly circulated on social media and were commented on by both fans and media alike.
The use of ski goggles at victory celebrations exemplifies cultural differences in sport. While such practices are common in the USA, they are less known in Europe. Nevertheless, this event shows how traditions spread across the Atlantic and take root in different cultures.
Overall, the ski goggles worn by PSG players during the celebrations in Budapest reflect the influence of American sports traditions and underscore the joy and unity of the team after their historic Champions League victory.
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– published on Saturday, May 31
– published on Sunday, June 01
– published on Saturday, May 31