The 5 Greatest PSG Players of All-Time
The Greatest Ever Paris Saint-Germain Players
Paris Saint-Germain Football Club, also known as PSG, is one of the most successful and popular football clubs in Europe.
Founded in 1970, the club has a short but rich history, producing some of the greatest players to ever grace the game.
French football icon Kylian Mbappé
Over the years, PSG has played host to numerous superstars, who have entertained fans with their mesmerising skills and winning performances.
In this article, we'll take a look at 5 of the best PSG players of all time. Each player has left an incredible mark on the club's history.
These players have become synonymous with PSG, and their achievements and contributions will always be remembered by fans of the club.
5. Pedro Miguel Pauleta
Position: Striker
Appearances: 211
Goals: 109
Assists: 16
Ratio: 1 goal every 1.9 games /1 assist every 13 games (at PSG)
Jersey Number: 9
The Portuguese striker joined the Parc des Princes in 2003 and would stay until 2008.
During those 5 years, Pauleta was a firm favourite among PSG supporters.
A highly prolific striker, Pauleta was known for his technical ability, most notably his first touch.
He was also a serious threat in the air, jumping higher than the defenders. This would often prove fatal due to the efficiency of his headers.
These headers were even better because of his teammate Jerome Rothen, whose left foot provided outstanding crosses.
At one point, Pauleta was the highest goalscorer for the Portuguese national team, surpassing Eusebio. He has since been surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
During his 5 years at PSG, Pauleta won 2 Coupes de France, in 2004 and 2006, and 1 Coupe de la Ligue in 2008.
He was also a runner-up in 2004 for the Ligue 1 title.
Pauleta played for the club at a time of continuous failures in Ligue 1, but he was able to make fans proud and become an icon.
4. Kylian Mbappé
Position: Striker
Appearances: 243
Goals: 196
Assists: 94
Ratio: 1 goal every 1.2 games /1 assist every 2.5 games (at PSG)
Jersey Number: 29 and 7
After winning the league with AS Monaco and reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League, the French superstar joined PSG on loan in 2017.
PSG had to buy him for 180 million euros if they wanted to remain in France’s top flight.
Needless to say, there was no doubt in anyone’s mind that he would eventually be acquired by the club.
Mbappé joined PSG at the same time as Neymar Jr. from FC Barcelona.
Few people at the time could have guessed that the young French striker would be the one leaving the biggest impact on the club.
Although his goal has always been to eventually join Real Madrid, he continues to give his all for the club.
He has always been a key example of professionalism and consistency. In a team known for its inconsistency, especially in league games, he is one of the only players who always gives a great performance.
He is the club’s all-time highest goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League.
He also reached the Champions League final for the first time in 2020, losing against Bayern Munich.
3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Position: Striker
Appearances: 180
Goals: 156
Assists: 61
Ratio: 1 goal every 1.1 games /1 assist every 2.9 games (at PSG)
Jersey Number: 10
The Swedish striker was the club’s first high-profile superstar under the QSI project.
His mere acquisition made the club reach a new level of notoriety, as perhaps Sweden’s greatest player joined PSG.
He scored 154 goals for PSG, becoming the club’s highest goalscorer before he was surpassed by Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani.
He helped the club win its first league title in 2013, the first in 19 years. PSG would go on to win the league in all 4 campaigns played by Ibrahimovic.
Although the club reached new heights on a domestic level, it kept disappointing in the Champions League, getting eliminated in the quarter-finals 4 times in a row.
Despite this, Ibrahimovic’s aura and charisma made him a legend of the club- and he was outright adored by the fans!
As he left, he was awarded a medal by the city of Paris. His last league game was marked by a standing ovation in the tenth minute, as this is his jersey number.
2. Luis Fernandez
Position: Defensive midfielder
Appearances: 273
Goals: 39
Assists: 3
Ratio: 1 goal every 7 games /1 assist every 91 games (at PSG)
Jersey Number: 8
Luis Fernandez is one of the greatest players to have ever donned the PSG jersey.
The Frenchman was a key figure for the club during his time as a player in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Fernandez joined PSG in 1983 and quickly established himself as one of the best midfielders in the league.
He was an instrumental player in PSG's rise to prominence, helping the club win its first major trophy, the French Cup, in 1982.
He was also a key figure in the club's first Ligue 1 championship win in 1986.
Fernandez was a tenacious box-to-box midfielder known for his tireless work rate, excellent vision and precise passing ability.
His impact at PSG was not limited to his playing abilities. As a captain, he used his leadership skills to bring the best out of his teammates.
His dedication to the club made him a fan-favourite, and still to this day he is seen as one of PSG’s most important figures.
1. Rai
Position: Offensive midfielder
Appearances: 215
Goals: 72
Assists: 7
Ratio: 1 goal every 2.9 games /1 assist every 30 games (at PSG)
Jersey Number: 10
Rai joined PSG in 1993 and stayed until 1998.
Despite a rough start, he had a better second season, getting the chance to showcase his true talent.
Rai's technical ability, vision and creativity made him a nightmare for opposition defenders.
He was known for his accurate passing, excellent dribbling skills and his ability to score amazing goals.
He was a key player in PSG's Ligue 1 championship wins in 1994 and 1996, and his performances in these seasons cemented his status as a fan favourite.
He was also renowned for his playmaking skills and his confidence. This attitude had a positive impact on his teammates.
In his 5 seasons with PSG, Rai made a total of 141 appearances for the club and scored 38 goals.
He was a key figure in the team's midfield, creating numerous chances for his teammates and controlling the tempo of the game with his precise passing.
Rai's playmaking skills were on full display during the 1995-96 season, where he recorded the most assists in Ligue 1 with 13.
His exceptional form during this season earned him the title of Ligue 1 Player of the Year, a testament to his impact on the team.
Do you agree with our picks? Who are the greatest PSG players of all-time? Let us know in the comments!
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