"What's in a name?" asks Juliet in one of William ShakespeareAn English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language. 's most legendary plays, Romeo and Juliet. For 19-year-old French footballer Desire Doue, whose name roughly translates into English as "desired gifted", a name might be a prophecyMaking predictions about what will happen in the future..

In March this year, he was UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Month. He represented France's silver medal-winning team at the Olympics in 2024. He played a pivotal role in his club's record-breaking 2024-25 Ligue 1 title win.

Doue has been described as the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) club's "secret weapon". He might have started the season going unnoticed, seemingly constantly benched, but he has burst forth in recent months as a great attacking talent alongside former Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Doue is a perfect fit for Paris Saint-Germain's new ethos. The team had the lowest average age of all sides in this season's Champions League quarter-finals, at 23.3 years old, as manager Luis Enrique attempts to take PSG in a new direction. 

Not long ago, PSG, the most decorated club in France with a record 13 Ligue 1 titles, fielded three of football's biggest names: Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi. They have all since departed from PSG, marking for many the end of a great era in French football.

It might have been an epic defeat. But instead, it was time for a reinvention. Desire Doue was part of that reinvention, and PSG fought fiercely with Bayern Munich to land him, eventually splashing out 50 million euros to secure the young player.

It has paid off. Doue has 24 goal involvements this season, between 12 goals and 12 assists, achieving a rate of one every 105.8 minutes. He also has the most dribble attempts and ball carries of anyone who has played at least 750 minutes in Ligue 1 this season.¹

Many have called Doue a prodigy. They say that his success so far is only the beginning, and that he is a "superstar in the making". Acquiring him was the perfect move for a club now intent on making investments in dynamic young talent to build and shape over the long term.

Doue has drawn comparisons to some of the biggest names in the world, including Neymar, Mbappe and Messi. Some say they see echoes of Neymar in his game, particularly his fondness for dribbling and rapid speed. Doue has said that he "hopes to follow in [Neymar's] footsteps".²

But it seems the wunderkindSomeone who achieves success at a young age. prefers not to be measured against other players. Responding to comparisons to the 26-year-old Mbappe, Doue said "I'm Desire Doue. Kylian is Kylian. I'm trying to create my own path."³

Is he the new Messi?

Yes: With Doue's dazzling dribbles, quick feet and brilliant vision, he reminds fans of a new, young Messi. He has flair, balance and boldness, and remarkable sporting genius for somebody of his age.

No: Messi is a once-in-a-century talent. Doue, while gifted, has yet to prove that he can dominate at the highest level. Comparing him to Messi is premature and could set him up for failure with unrealistic expectations.

Or... Desire Doue is a rising star with his own story. We should let him carve out his own legacy rather than forcing him into the mould of somebody from the past. Greatness comes in a million different forms.

William Shakespeare - An English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language.

Prophecy - Making predictions about what will happen in the future.

Wunderkind - Someone who achieves success at a young age.