Ecuador celebrated this Saturday a new international success for Willian Pacho, who won his second Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after the French team's victory over Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout.

The Ecuadorian defender's achievement provoked immediate reactions from national authorities, who highlighted the relevance of his achievement in European soccer and its impact on the country's sport.

The Government of Ecuador recognizes the conquest of Willian Pacho

The Ecuadorian Government described as an unprecedented event the new consecration of the tricolor defender, who became the first Ecuadorian soccer player to lift the most prestigious trophy in club soccer on two occasions.

"Congratulations to Willian Pacho for winning the 'Champions League' for the second time. A historic achievement that makes him the first Ecuadorian to lift the long-awaited 'Orejona' twice," the Vice Ministry of Sports published on its social network account X along with a photograph of the national defender.

“Now the challenge is with the tricolor in the Soccer World Cup,” added the institution, in reference to the commitments that the Ecuadorian team will face in the next World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Congratulations to the Ecuadorian figure of PSG

The Minister of Education, Sports and Culture, Gilda Alcívar, also dedicated a message to the defender after winning the continental title.

"Your talent, discipline and dedication are an inspiration for new generations. May the successes continue!" he added.

The signs of recognition multiplied in different sectors of the country, where the name of Willian Pacho monopolized the spotlight after a new European coronation with PSG.

PSG is crowned two-time champion of the Champions League

Paris Saint-Germain won its second consecutive Champions League by beating Arsenal in the final held at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

After a 1-1 draw in extra time, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Kai Havertz put Arsenal ahead in the 6th minute, while Ousmane Dembélé equalized for the Parisian team in the 66th minute from the spot.

In the final round, the team led by Luis Enrique Martínez won 4-3 after Gabriel Magalhaes' failure on the tenth throw.

Ecuador had a leading role in both finalists

The final had a special meaning for Ecuadorian soccer, since in addition to Willian Pacho with PSG, Arsenal also had the national team Piero Hincapié in its ranks.

Hours before the match, the president of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa, shared a photograph of both footballers wearing the national team shirt.

“Ecuadorian pride,” the president wrote on his social networks.

After the final, various authorities and political representatives joined in congratulating both players, highlighting the prominence of the Ecuadorian soccer players in one of the most important stages of world soccer.