Thauvin hails Dino Toppmöller As Lens claim Champions trophy

Florian Thauvin, appointed captain this season, scored the solitary goal as RC Lens defeated Paris Saint‑Germain 1‑0 to win the Trophée des Champions, a triumph he linked to the passionate guidance of new coach Dino Toppmöller.

Captaincy and decisive goal

Thauvin, 33, has already etched his name into Lens history, having opened the scoring in the Coupe de France final against OGC Nice on 22 May before netting the winner in the Champions match. His leadership was confirmed by Toppmöller, who named him captain upon his arrival.

The match saw an early red card for Kyllian Antonio in the 32nd minute, shifting the dynamics, yet Lens held firm. "We worked well, we are building on last season's continuity," Thauvin told L1+ after the game, adding that the team introduced new ideas while preserving its spirit.

African spine fuels Le RC Lens upset over PSG in Trophée des Champions

Extraordinary bond with the coach

Thauvin described his relationship with Dino Toppmöller as "extraordinary", recalling a phone call the moment the German was appointed and a long dinner where tactics were discussed for hours. He sees himself as a key conduit for younger squad members, aiming to repay the trust placed in him.

Speaking of the coach, Thauvin said, "He is a passionate man, the word fits him best. He lives and breathes football. When we dined together we may have spent two hours talking tactics. He is forward‑oriented, even if facing PSG is always tough."

Lens upset forces PSG to widen Ligue 1 title focus

The ChampionsLens victory marks Lens' first Trophée des Champions, and the club now looks ahead to its Ligue 1 opener against AJ Auxerre and a forthcoming Champions League campaign.