Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov was photographed reviewing notes hidden in his towel during the Champions League final penalty shootout against Arsenal on Saturday evening. The incident occurred as the teams were level after extra time, ultimately decided by penalties which Arsenal won.
Photographer François Denat captured the moment Safonov consulted his notes, which detailed tendencies of Arsenal penalty takers. The notes indicated that Gyökeres “runs very fast,” “strikes hard” and “doesn’t look at the goalkeeper,” while Saka crosses 90% of his penalty attempts. Despite having the information, Safonov did not make a single save during the shootout.
Safonov joined PSG ahead of the 2025-2026 season and quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, playing a key role in their run to the Champions League final. He previously played for Krasnodar in the Russian Premier League, where he was known for his shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in the box. His move to Paris represented a significant step up in his career, offering him the chance to compete at the highest level of European football.
Although PSG lost the final, Safonov’s preparation demonstrates a dedication to his craft. The club has yet to comment on the incident, but it has sparked debate about the ethics of using such detailed information during a penalty shootout. The incident occurred amidst celebrations for Arsenal and condemnation of violence following PSG's defeat, as reported by Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. The club is now assessing its options for the upcoming season, with potential changes expected in the squad following the Champions League disappointment.
