Best Paris Saint-Germain Players of All Time: A Definitive Ranking
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, commonly known as PSG, is a French professional football club based in Paris. Since its founding in 1970, PSG has become one of the most successful clubs in French football history, winning numerous domestic and international titles. Over the years, PSG has been home to some of the most talented footballers in the world, with many of them becoming legends of the Parc des Princes.
From iconic goalkeepers to defensive stalwarts, midfield maestros, and attacking brilliance, PSG has had some of the best players in the world. The likes of Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Neymar have all donned the PSG jersey, leaving a lasting impact on the club’s history. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Paris Saint-Germain players of all time and what made them so special on the pitch.
Key Takeaways
- PSG has a rich history of talented footballers, with many becoming legends of the Parc des Princes.
- The club has had some of the best players in the world, including Ronaldinho, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Neymar.
- From iconic goalkeepers to attacking brilliance, PSG has had a wide range of talented players throughout its history.
Legends of the Parc des Princes
Paris Saint-Germain has been home to some of the greatest footballers in history and the Parc des Princes has witnessed some of the most memorable moments in the club’s history. Here are some of the most iconic players to have graced the pitch at the Parc des Princes.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest players to have ever played for Paris Saint-Germain. The Swedish striker scored an incredible 156 goals in 180 appearances for the club, making him the all-time leading scorer in PSG history. Ibrahimovic’s time at the Parc des Princes was marked by his incredible skill, strength, and leadership on the pitch. He was instrumental in leading the team to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles and helped them reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League on multiple occasions.
Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho is another legendary player who left an indelible mark on the Parc des Princes during his time at PSG. The Brazilian playmaker was a joy to watch on the pitch, with his dazzling footwork, incredible vision, and ability to score from almost anywhere on the field. He scored 25 goals in 77 appearances for the club and helped them win the Coupe de France in 2004. Ronaldinho’s time at the Parc des Princes was cut short when he was signed by Barcelona in 2003, but his legacy at PSG will always be remembered.
George Weah
George Weah is one of the most iconic players in PSG history and his time at the Parc des Princes is still remembered fondly by fans of the club. The Liberian striker scored 55 goals in 138 appearances for PSG and helped them win the Coupe de France in 1993. Weah’s incredible skill, speed, and strength on the pitch made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and he was a key player in PSG’s rise to prominence in the early 1990s.
These three players are just a few of the many legendary footballers who have graced the pitch at the Parc des Princes over the years. Their incredible skill, dedication, and contributions have not only brought success to the club but have also thrilled fans worldwide. The Parc des Princes has witnessed some of the most iconic moments in PSG history, and these players will always be remembered as legends of the club.
Iconic Goalkeepers
Paris Saint-Germain has had some of the best goalkeepers in the world throughout its history. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the most iconic goalkeepers to have ever played for the club.
Bernard Lama
Bernard Lama is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in PSG history. He played for the club in the mid-1990s for seven total years (1992-1997, 1998-2000). Lama played 250 games for Paris Saint-Germain and was the team’s best goalkeeper after the legendary Joel Bats. He established himself as a fan favorite and a true club legend thanks to his impressive performances and his unwavering dedication to the team.
Gianluigi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon is a legendary goalkeeper who joined PSG in 2018 at the age of 40. Despite his age, Buffon proved to be a valuable asset to the team, helping them win the Ligue 1 title in his first season. He played 25 games for Paris Saint-Germain and was a key player in the team’s defense. Buffon is widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, and his short stint at PSG only added to his already impressive legacy.
In conclusion, Paris Saint-Germain has had some truly incredible goalkeepers throughout its history. Bernard Lama and Gianluigi Buffon are just two of the many legendary players who have donned the PSG jersey and left an indelible mark on the club.
Defensive Stalwarts
Paris Saint-Germain has had some of the best defenders in the world play for them over the years. Here are two of the most notable defensive stalwarts who have left their mark on the club’s history.
Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva was one of the most important players for PSG during his time at the club. The Brazilian center-back joined PSG from AC Milan in 2012 and quickly established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. He was a leader on and off the pitch, and his calming presence at the back helped PSG win numerous titles during his eight-year stint at the club.
Silva was known for his excellent reading of the game, his ability to make crucial tackles and interceptions, and his aerial prowess. He was also a threat in the opposition box, scoring important goals for PSG over the years. Silva won seven Ligue 1 titles, five French Cups, and six French League Cups during his time at PSG. He left the club in 2020 to join Chelsea, but his legacy at PSG will never be forgotten.
Marquinhos
Marquinhos is another Brazilian center-back who has established himself as one of the best defenders in the world. He joined PSG from AS Roma in 2013 and has been a mainstay in the PSG defense ever since. Marquinhos is known for his versatility, as he can play as a center-back, defensive midfielder, or right-back.
Marquinhos is a leader on and off the pitch, and his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions has been vital for PSG over the years. He is also comfortable on the ball and is often involved in PSG’s build-up play. Marquinhos has won numerous titles with PSG, including seven Ligue 1 titles, six French Cups, and seven French League Cups.
Both Thiago Silva and Marquinhos have left an indelible mark on PSG’s history as two of the best defenders to have ever played for the club. Their contributions on the pitch have been invaluable, and they will always be remembered as two of the greatest players to have ever worn the PSG jersey.
Midfield Maestros
Paris Saint-Germain has been home to some of the best midfielders in the world. These players have played a crucial role in the team’s success over the years. In this section, we will take a look at two of the best midfield maestros to have ever played for PSG: Marco Verratti and Safet Susic.
Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti is a central midfielder who has been a vital part of PSG’s midfield since joining the club in 2012. He has been praised for his excellent passing ability, vision, and technical skills on the ball. Verratti has been a consistent performer for PSG and has played a crucial role in the team’s success over the years.
One of the most impressive things about Verratti is his ability to control the tempo of the game. He has a fantastic ability to slow the game down when necessary and speed it up when needed. He is also an excellent tackler and has a high work rate, making him an important player both offensively and defensively.
Safet Susic
Safet Susic is a legendary midfielder who played for PSG in the 1980s. He is widely regarded as one of the best players to have ever played for the club. Susic was known for his excellent technical ability, vision, and creativity on the ball. He was also an excellent goal scorer and was known for his ability to score from free-kicks.
Susic played a crucial role in PSG’s success in the 1980s. He helped the team win the French League title in 1986 and was named the French Player of the Year in the same year. Susic’s performances for PSG earned him a place in the club’s Hall of Fame.
These two midfield maestros are just a few of the many great players to have ever played for PSG. Their contributions to the team’s success will never be forgotten, and they will always be remembered as two of the best midfielders to have ever played for the club.
Attacking Brilliance
Paris Saint-Germain has been home to some of the most brilliant attacking players in football history. From the lightning-fast wingers to the towering strikers, PSG has had it all. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the most prominent attacking players in PSG’s history – Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe is a French forward who joined PSG in 2017 from Monaco. He is one of the most exciting young players in world football and has already made a significant impact at PSG. Mbappe’s speed, dribbling ability, and clinical finishing make him a nightmare for defenders. He has been instrumental in PSG’s recent success, helping the team win multiple Ligue 1 titles and reach the final of the UEFA Champions League.
Mbappe’s incredible speed is his most significant asset. He can run the 100 meters in just over 10 seconds, making him one of the fastest footballers in the world. His speed allows him to get behind the opposition defense and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Mbappe’s dribbling ability is also exceptional. He can change direction quickly and leave defenders in his wake.
Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani is a Uruguayan striker who joined PSG in 2013 from Napoli. He is one of the most prolific goalscorers in PSG’s history and has scored over 200 goals for the club. Cavani’s physicality, aerial ability, and clinical finishing make him a potent threat in front of goal. He has been instrumental in PSG’s success over the years, helping the team win multiple Ligue 1 titles and reach the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League.
Cavani’s aerial ability is his most significant asset. He is excellent at winning headers and can score goals from crosses and set-pieces. His physicality also makes him difficult to mark, and he can hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play. Cavani’s finishing ability is also exceptional. He can score goals from anywhere inside the penalty area and has a knack for scoring important goals in big games.
In conclusion, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani are two of the most brilliant attacking players in PSG’s history. They have been instrumental in the team’s recent success and will be remembered as legends of the club. Their unique skill sets and individual brilliance have helped PSG become one of the most feared attacking teams in world football.
Influential Captains
Throughout their history, Paris Saint-Germain has had many influential captains who have led the team to success. These players have not only been great leaders but also outstanding performers on the pitch. In this section, we will take a look at two of the most influential captains in PSG’s history.
Pauleta
Pedro Pauleta is one of the most iconic players in PSG’s history. The Portuguese forward joined the club in 2003 and quickly became a fan favorite. He was named captain in his second season with the club and led them to the Coupe de France title in 2004. Pauleta was known for his clinical finishing and scored a total of 109 goals in 211 appearances for PSG. He was also the top scorer in Ligue 1 in the 2005-06 season, scoring 21 goals.
Off the pitch, Pauleta was a true leader. He was respected by his teammates and was always willing to help the younger players. He was a role model both on and off the pitch and will always be remembered as one of PSG’s greatest captains.
Dominique Bathenay
Dominique Bathenay was the captain of PSG during the club’s most successful period in the 1980s. He joined the club in 1980 and quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1. He was named captain in 1983 and led the team to three consecutive Coupe de France titles from 1982 to 1984.
Bathenay was a technically gifted player who was known for his vision and passing ability. He was also a great leader who led by example on the pitch. He was a true professional and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike. Bathenay will always be remembered as one of PSG’s greatest captains and one of the best midfielders in Ligue 1 history.
These two players are just a few examples of the influential captains that PSG has had throughout its history. They have left a lasting legacy at the club and will always be remembered as true leaders who led PSG to success.
Recent Stars
Paris Saint-Germain has always been home to some of the world’s best football players, and the current squad is no exception. In recent years, the club has signed some of the biggest names in football, who have gone on to become key players for the team. In this section, we will take a closer look at two of the most recent stars of PSG: Neymar Jr and Angel Di Maria.
Neymar Jr
Neymar Jr is a Brazilian forward who joined PSG from Barcelona in 2017 for a world-record transfer fee of €222 million. Since then, he has become one of the most important players in the team, forming a formidable attacking trio with Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani. Neymar’s technical ability, pace, and creativity make him a constant threat to opposition defenses, and he has scored some of the most memorable goals in PSG’s recent history.
Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is an Argentine winger who joined PSG from Manchester United in 2015. Since then, he has established himself as one of the most consistent performers for the team, thanks to his pace, dribbling skills, and ability to create chances for his teammates. Di Maria has won multiple titles with PSG, including four Ligue 1 titles and three Coupe de France trophies, and he has been named the club’s Player of the Year twice.
Both Neymar Jr and Angel Di Maria have been instrumental in PSG’s recent success, and they are likely to remain key players for the team in the years to come. Their individual skills and collective teamwork have helped PSG establish itself as one of the top football clubs in Europe, and they will continue to play a vital role in the club’s quest for more silverware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are considered the top six Paris Saint-Germain players of all time?
Paris Saint-Germain has had many great players over the years, but six players stand out as the best of the best. They are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ronaldinho, Thiago Silva, David Ginola, George Weah, and Pauleta. These players have all left their mark on the club and are remembered as legends by fans.
Which defenders are recognized as the best in Paris Saint-Germain’s history?
Paris Saint-Germain has had many great defenders over the years, but Thiago Silva and Marquinhos are widely recognized as the best. Both Brazilian players have been key members of the team and have helped lead the club to many victories.
Can you name the most legendary midfielders in Paris Saint-Germain’s past?
Paris Saint-Germain has had many great midfielders over the years, but the most legendary are Rai, Safet Susic, and Jay-Jay Okocha. These players were all known for their skill on the ball and their ability to control the midfield.
Who holds the record for the most goals scored for Paris Saint-Germain?
The player who holds the record for the most goals scored for Paris Saint-Germain is Edinson Cavani. The Uruguayan striker scored 200 goals in 301 appearances for the club between 2013 and 2020.
Which players make up the all-time best XI for Paris Saint-Germain?
The all-time best XI for Paris Saint-Germain includes: Bernard Lama (goalkeeper), Maxwell (left-back), Thiago Silva (center-back), Marquinhos (center-back), Dani Alves (right-back), David Ginola (left midfield), Ronaldinho (center midfield), Rai (center midfield), Pauleta (right midfield), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (forward), and George Weah (forward).
