Paris Saint-Germain Players Wear Ski Goggles in Champions League Celebration

During their celebrations after securing the UEFA Champions League title for the second consecutive time, Paris Saint-Germain players wore protective ski goggles known as "Goggles." The team clinched the trophy by defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the final held on Saturday evening in Budapest.

Shortly after winning the title, several Paris Saint-Germain stars, including Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Désiré Doué, appeared wearing these goggles, a sight that sparked widespread curiosity on social media, particularly since the celebrations took place in warm weather conditions that did not necessitate ski masks.

According to the French network RMC Sport, the use of these goggles is not merely for aesthetic reasons but stems from an old American sports tradition. Players wear them to shield their eyes from champagne spray during title celebrations, as the liquid can irritate the cornea. The goggles also protect against possible injuries caused by bottle corks popping off forcefully.

This custom began in American baseball when New York Mets player Bobby Ojeda wore swimming goggles during his team's 1986 World Series victory celebrations.

The practice later spread to various American sports, including the National Basketball Association (NBA), women's soccer, and Major League Soccer (MLS).

Marketing Aspect of the Goggles

In Paris Saint-Germain's celebrations, the goggles served a promotional purpose as well. All the goggles were identical and featured the club’s official sponsor’s logo, leading some observers to view them as part of a marketing campaign or an indirect advertisement during one of football's most-watched moments.

Several Paris players continued wearing the goggles during post-match interviews and even on their return to the hotel, making the eyewear one of the most memorable images of the European title celebration.