Tuesday, 22 Oct 2024

The Greatest Players in the History of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is not only the most successful team in France, but it also boasts a rich history that spans far beyond its current ownership. Despite accusations that their success is solely a result of their financial backing, PSG has had its fair share of legendary players who have adorned the famous blue jersey. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 25 players ever to have graced the pitch for PSG.

25. David Beckham

David Beckham

David Beckham, one of the greatest free-kick takers of all time, made his mark on PSG towards the end of his illustrious career. Despite his waning abilities, Beckham’s star power and philanthropic gestures earned him a place in the hearts of fans. Though he only played 10 matches for PSG, he still managed to win a Ligue 1 title and the admiration of the crowd.

24. Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti

Italian midfielder Marco Verratti has been a pillar of the PSG team for several years. Having joined the club as a teenager, Verratti quickly established himself as a key player. With over 250 appearances and 7 goals to his name, he has become a commanding presence in the midfield.

23. Joel Bats

Joel Bats

Joel Bats, a French goalkeeper, is regarded as one of the best to have donned the PSG jersey. He played an instrumental role in the team’s first-ever Ligue 1 triumph and remained an influential figure during his time with the club. Following his retirement, Bats continued his involvement with PSG as a goalkeeping coach and briefly as a manager.

22. Paul Le Guen

Paul Le Guen

French defender Paul Le Guen was a vital component of PSG’s success in the 1990s. After joining the club from Nantes, Le Guen went on to make nearly 350 appearances and won three league titles. He later returned to PSG as a manager, further solidifying his connection to the club.

21. Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta

Italian defensive midfielder Thiago Motta was brought in by PSG’s new owners in 2012 to provide stability in the midfield. Despite missing out on the UEFA Champions League, Motta played a crucial role in the club’s domestic dominance over a six-year period.

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20. Alain Roche

Alain Roche

Alain Roche, a commanding defensive presence, played a vital role in PSG’s success. He contributed to multiple Ligue 1 title wins and was part of the team that claimed the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996. After hanging up his boots, Roche found success as the club’s sporting director.

19. Ricardo Gomes

Ricardo Gomes

Ricardo Gomes, a towering presence in PSG’s defense, left a lasting impact during the early 90s. Despite his time at the club being marred by injury, Gomes won multiple trophies and displayed an outstanding ability to lead the backline.

18. Angel Di Maria

Angel Di Maria

Argentinian winger Angel Di Maria joined PSG after a difficult spell at Manchester United, seeking a fresh start and success. He played a crucial role in the team for several seasons, scoring 56 goals in nearly 200 appearances before moving to Juventus in 2022.

17. Youri Djorkaeff

Youri Djorkaeff

Youri Djorkaeff spent just one season at PSG but became an instant fan favorite. His contributions to the team’s success in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup cannot be overlooked, as he dazzled with his midfield prowess and scored an impressive 19 goals in 46 games.

16. Luis Fernandez

Luis Fernandez

Luis Fernandez played multiple roles during his time at PSG, leaving a lasting impact on the club. As a player, he made over 200 appearances for PSG and later returned as a manager. Fernandez’s contributions to PSG’s success extend beyond his time on the pitch.

15. Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani

Edinson Cavani, known for his lethal goal-scoring ability, formed a formidable partnership with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. During his time at PSG, Cavani scored an impressive 138 goals in 200 appearances, becoming an integral part of the team’s dominance.

14. Bernard Lama

Bernard Lama

Bernard Lama, the greatest goalkeeper in PSG’s history, was renowned for his reflex saves and quick reactions. Over his two spells at the club, Lama made a total of 232 appearances, keeping numerous clean sheets and cementing his status as a fan favorite.

13. Dominique Rocheteau

Dominique Rocheteau

Dominique Rocheteau, while more famous for his time at St. Etienne, made a significant impact during his stint at PSG. The prolific goal scorer netted 83 times in 204 games, leaving a lasting impression on the club and its supporters.

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12. Valdo

Valdo

Brazilian winger Valdo added flair and skill to the PSG team of the 1990s. Though he only scored 10 goals in his five-year spell, Valdo’s technical ability and contribution to the team’s success were evident.

11. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, considered the greatest soccer player of all time, joined PSG in 2021. Although he is better known for his time at Barcelona, Messi cannot be disregarded. In his short stint at PSG, he has already displayed glimpses of his brilliance, scoring 10 goals in 34 games.

10. Safet Susic

Safet Susic

Safet Susic, an attacking midfielder, played a crucial role in PSG’s pre-Qatari era. Known for his goal-scoring ability and assists, Susic left an indelible mark, scoring 83 goals and providing 63 assists during his nine-year tenure.

9. Rai

Rai

Brazilian attacking midfielder Rai played a pivotal role in PSG’s success during his five-year spell. With 51 goals in 147 appearances, Rai showcased his dribbling skills and excellent ball control, making him a formidable opponent.

8. Pedro-Miguel Pauleta

Pedro-Miguel Pauleta

Pedro-Miguel Pauleta, an Argentine striker, brought much-needed quality to PSG during a period of decline. His goal-scoring prowess helped the team secure their first trophy in six years, with 76 goals in 168 games.

7. David Ginola

David Ginola

David Ginola, a French superstar, lit up the pitch for PSG in the early 1990s. Despite only spending three years at the club, Ginola’s flashy style and 33 goals in 115 appearances earned him a place in the hearts of fans.

6. Neymar

Neymar

Brazilian superstar Neymar has been a key player for PSG since his arrival from Barcelona in 2017. Despite occasional criticisms, Neymar’s contribution to PSG’s dominance in French soccer cannot be denied. With 77 goals in 100 appearances, he remains one of the world’s best players.

5. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho, another Brazilian maestro, may have spent just two seasons at PSG, but his impact was immense. He played a significant role in the team’s success, winning the Intertoto Cup and scoring 17 goals before departing for Barcelona, where he achieved legendary status.

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4. Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva, the best defender in PSG’s history, exemplified loyalty and dedication during his time at the club. With over 200 appearances, Silva established himself as a world-class talent and a beloved figure among the fans.

3. George Weah

George Weah

George Weah, now the president of Liberia, enjoyed a fruitful stint at PSG before venturing into politics. He played a crucial role in PSG’s trophy-winning years, propelling the team to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in 1995. Weah scored 32 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

2. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe, the prodigious French forward, has already cemented his place as one of PSG’s greatest players. Known for his blistering speed and remarkable goal-scoring ability, Mbappe has scored over 100 goals in just over four seasons with the club.

1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Archetypal Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic tops the list of PSG’s greatest players. During his spell with the club, Ibrahimovic’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess delighted fans, and his influence was undeniable. With 113 goals in 122 games, Ibrahimovic left an indelible mark on PSG’s history.

FAQs

Q: Are these rankings definitive?
A: Rankings are subject to personal opinions, and opinions may vary. However, these selections represent an aggregation of player performance and impact during their time at PSG.

Q: What other players could have made the list?
A: PSG has seen many exceptional players over the years, and the list could have included more names such as Rai, Pierre-Alain Frau, and Carlos Bianchi.

Q: Will there be updates to this list in the future?
A: As PSG continues its journey, new players may emerge and leave their mark on the club’s history. The list can be updated to reflect future achievements and contributions by players.

Conclusion

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has been fortunate to have some of the greatest soccer talents in its ranks throughout its history. Each player on this list, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Kylian Mbappe, has left an indelible mark on the club’s illustrious legacy. While opinions may vary on the exact order, their contributions and skill have cemented their places in the hearts of PSG fans for generations to come.