On May 3, 2025, the Paris FC women's team made history by winning the Coupe de France féminine de football, triumphing over their rivals PSG in a thrilling penalty shootout after a goalless match. This victory marks the club's first title since its rebranding from Juvisy to Paris FC in 2017, and the second Coupe de France title overall, the first being in 2005.
The match, held at the Stade de l'Épopée in Calais, was an intense battle between the two Parisian teams. Despite several attempts, including a disallowed goal from Paris FC captain Gaëtane Thiney due to offside, neither team managed to break the deadlock in regular time. Thiney, 39, who is preparing to retire after the championship play-offs, expressed her emotions after the match, stating, "It's extraordinary; this rewards so many efforts, the work of a group and a whole club that never gave up against two huge teams, Lyon and PSG."
The penalty shootout was a nail-biter, with Paris FC emerging victorious 5-4. The turning point came when goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made crucial saves against PSG's Albert and Le Guilly. In a moment of tension, Clara Mateo, who had been named the best player in the Premier League, struck the crossbar with her penalty, leaving the team in a precarious position. However, Nnadozie's heroics secured the win, allowing the Paris FC players to rush towards her in jubilation.
This victory is particularly poignant for Thiney, who has dedicated her career to the club since 2008 when it was still known as Juvisy. After receiving the trophy from Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, Thiney celebrated with her teammates and family, who had come to support her. "There were everyone, aunts, cousins," she recalled, overwhelmed with emotion. "I felt a lot of emotions when I received messages this morning showing my family on their way to Calais with their coolers and sandwiches."
The victory also comes on the heels of the Paris FC men's team being promoted to Ligue 1, making it a historic weekend for the club. Coach Sandrine Soubeyrand, a former teammate of Thiney at Juvisy, was also emotional, reflecting on the significance of the title for the club's future. "This is fantastic, historic for the club," said defender Théa Gréboval after the match. "We must quickly forget this match; there are play-offs to play."
Thiney's journey has been marked by perseverance and dedication, making this title a fitting capstone to her illustrious career. "It's beautiful to think I will retire at the top," she said. "I had cramps and had to leave the field in the 75th minute, but that was okay; it felt like passing the baton to the younger generation. We will enjoy this victory, but we can't celebrate too much because we have another match against PSG next Sunday in the semi-finals of the play-offs."
As the Paris FC women prepare for their next challenge, they carry with them the momentum of this historic win. This triumph not only elevates the club's status but also sends a strong message to the world of women's football: with hard work, unity, and determination, even the underdogs can rise to the occasion. Thiney’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players, proving that dreams can be realized, even in the face of adversity.
