Hugo Ekitike, the French forward who joined Liverpool last summer, has described winning the Champions League as a realistic target rather than a mere dream. In a recent interview, the 23-year-old expressed confidence in the team's quality to compete for major honors this season. He also shared ambitions for the 2026 World Cup with France.
Hugo Ekitike's transfer to Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain last summer has transformed his aspirations in European football. Having gained experience in the Champions League during his time at PSG without starting a match, Ekitike has since become a regular for the Reds in the competition. This season, he has appeared in all six of Liverpool's European fixtures, including scoring in their October victory over his former club, Eintracht Frankfurt.
Despite Liverpool's mixed results domestically, Ekitike remains optimistic about their prospects in the Champions League. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “I love the Champions League. I love the Premier League as well, but the Champions League is like the appointment of big people and I love it.” He described the thrill of hearing the competition's anthem as “the best feeling ever” and emphasized the team's potential: “We have so many things [going] forward, so many games and so many competitions. That’s on us and we have the quality to do something.”
When asked if winning the tournament tops his dreams, Ekitike clarified: “I think when you play in this sort of club, it’s not a dream, it’s a goal.” He added that he is working hard on and off the pitch to meet expectations, expressing excitement for the challenges ahead.
Looking beyond club football, Ekitike harbors hopes for international success. Having featured in France's last six World Cup qualification matches, he views a spot in Didier Deschamps' 2026 squad as a significant dream. “It is a dream to play at the World Cup for your country. It’s so big and that’s where people remember you forever,” he noted, stressing the importance of strong club performances to earn selection.
