Luis Enrique Faces Unexpected Crisis: Key PSG Star Suspended Ahead of High-Stakes Super Cup Clash with Tottenham

Luis Enrique has done something remarkable, steering Paris Saint-Germain to the elusive UEFA Champions League crown for the very first time — a feat that’s now paved the way to their inaugural UEFA Super Cup final. Yet, the drama continues off the pitch. The decision to bench Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad has stirred quite a stir, but hold on — that’s just the tip of the iceberg. PSG’s preparations took a hit when one of their pivotal stars was ruled out of the high-stakes clash against Tottenham Hotspur, all because of a suspension. This summer, Donnarumma’s contract tangle made headlines, his 2026 deal dangling with no resolution in sight. The choice to exclude him has rattled fans and insiders alike, leaving Lucas Chevalier to step into some very big shoes. And just when you thought it couldn’t get more complicated, the sidelining of Joao Neves — after a fiery red card incident in the FIFA Club World Cup final — adds another wrinkle to Enrique’s lineup decisions. At just 20, Neves has been indispensable for PSG, and his absence is a bump that could reverberate through the biggest matches of their season. There’s a fascinating swirl of tension and opportunity as PSG gets set to face Tottenham — a narrative that’s far from settled. LEARN MORE

Luis Enrique led Paris Saint-Germain to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, setting up the club’s maiden appearance in the UEFA Super Cup final. But after deciding to leave Gianluigi Donnarumma off the squad list, the coach has been hit with another major setback: a key PSG star will miss the showdown with Tottenham Hotspur due to suspension.

One of PSG’s biggest summer storylines has been resolving Donnarumma’s contract situation, with his current deal running through June 2026. Despite his heroics in the Champions League triumph, neither the club nor the player has budged in negotiations, failing to reach terms on a new agreement.

As a result, PSG opted to leave Donnarumma out of the squad for the Super Cup final, a move that didn’t sit well with the Italian goalkeeper. Lucas Chevalier is expected to take his place between the posts, but PSG’s problems have grown with the suspension of another key player.

Joao Neves, out for the Super Cup

Paris Saint-Germain will be without star midfielder Joao Neves for the Super Cup clash with Tottenham Hotspur. The Portuguese international is serving a suspension after receiving a straight red card in the FIFA Club World Cup final against Chelsea.

In that July 13 final, with PSG trailing 3–0, Neves was sent off in the 85th minute for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair. The incident initially went unnoticed, but after a VAR review, referee Alireza Faghani issued a straight red for violent conduct away from the ball.

Because FIFA handed down the suspension, the ban applies to PSG’s next official matches rather than a single competition. With the punishment set at two games, Neves will miss the Super Cup final against Tottenham and PSG’s Ligue 1 opener on Sunday against Nantes.

At just 20 years old, Neves has become a vital figure in Luis Enrique’s side, making 59 appearances in the 2024–25 season, scoring seven goals and providing 10 assists. His absence will force the Spanish coach to find a replacement in one of the most important matches of PSG’s season.