Best PSG Players of All Time: Despite its relatively short history, which began in 1970, Paris Saint-Germain has already experienced remarkable moments. Soon after its establishment, the club quickly ascended to the upper echelons of French football. Over time, PSG has clinched the French championship title on 9 occasions and secured victory in the Coupe de France 13 times. Notably, the club even reached the pinnacle of the Champions League by making it to the final in 2020.
With a multitude of talented players who have graced the capital, the narrative of Paris Saint-Germain is incredibly rich. From Sušić and Dahleb to Cavani and Neymar, while also including names such as Messi, the club’s history is adorned with many football legends.
Best PSG Players of All Time
We have compiled a list of the top 20 players who have made the most significant impact on the club’s trajectory.
20. Marquinhos
After a single season in Europe, the Brazilian defender arrived from Rome for a transfer fee of 30 million euros. He swiftly cemented his status as an essential figure at PSG. Since 2018, he has consistently held the role of the captain for the Ile-de-France team, taking over the defensive leadership following the departure of Thiago Silva.
He notably played a significant part in the memorable journey to the Champions League final in 2020.
His achievements at the club include winning 8 Ligue 1 titles, 6 French cups, 7 Trophée des Champions, and 6 league cups.
19. Marco Verratti
Marco Verratti has been a key player for PSG for a long time and is rightfully considered one of the greatest players ever.
Verratti started his journey with the club when he was a young player, after spending four seasons with his youth team Pescara in Italy. He joined PSG in 2012, and from that point on, he quickly became a part of the main team and hasn’t stopped since.
During his ten years at the club, Verratti has grown into a strong midfielder and has played in more than 416 matches, scoring 11 goals.
18. David Beckham
David Beckham, who is often considered the best at taking free kicks, came to Paris later in his career when he was not as physically strong. Even so, the English midfielder deserves to be in this competition mainly because he brought a lot of star power to the team.
Since this was his final pro contract, Beckham chose to give all the money he earned to charities worldwide, and people praised this decision. While at PSG, Beckham played only 10 times, but that was sufficient for him to win a Ligue 1 championship medal and receive a standing ovation when he retired.
17. Ricardo Gomez
During the early 1990s, PSG was incredibly successful in winning trophies, and Ricardo Gomes played a crucial role in their defense. The Frenchman was an outstanding force in defense and had a remarkable ability to control and organize the defensive line.
Throughout his 4 years with the team, Gomes won 4 trophies and managed to prevent the opposing teams from scoring on numerous occasions. It’s certain that he would have been a significant member of France’s World Cup team in 1994 if he hadn’t suffered an injury.
16. George Weah
George Weah is a skilled Liberian striker who played for several big European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain. He remains the only African player to have won the Ballon d’Or. He’s an exceptional striker with a natural ability to score goals. Weah is fast, strong, and a great dribbler, which is evident from his numerous goals.
Weah joined Paris Saint-Germain in 1992 after playing for AS Monaco. He stayed with the team for 3 seasons and showcased his incredible talent. During his time with PSG, he scored 55 goals in 138 games and notably became the top scorer in the Champions League in 1995.
At PSG, Weah achieved success by winning the French championship in 1994, as well as the Coupe de France twice and the Coupe de la Ligue. He also helped the team reach the semi-finals of the Champions League in 1995, thanks to his crucial goals. Without a doubt, George Weah is considered one of the greatest players in PSG’s history.
15. Pauleta
Pedro-Miguel Pauleta is a Portuguese forward and a legendary figure in Paris Saint-Germain’s history. Fans of PSG lovingly call him “The eagle of the Azores.” He was a versatile striker, excelling both in technical skills and in aerial play, but his standout quality was his ability to score goals. Pauleta is also recognized as one of the top 20 best Portuguese players in history.
After playing for various clubs in Portugal, Spain, and a stint in Bordeaux, Pauleta joined Paris in 2003. Over his 5 seasons with PSG, he scored an impressive 109 goals in 211 games. He even became the leading scorer in the French championship in 2006 and 2007. To this day, he’s the club’s third-highest scorer.
Although Pauleta’s time at PSG didn’t coincide with the team’s most successful period, he stood out as one of the shining stars in the lineup. He contributed significantly to the team’s victory in the Coupe de France twice and a Coupe de la Ligue. There’s no doubt that Pauleta is rightfully considered one of the greatest players in the history of PSG.
14. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho is renowned as one of the greatest dribblers in football history. A true icon in the sport, he’s an extraordinary player with the ability to come up with incredible moves on the spot. His remarkable game awareness and vast repertoire of technical skills elevated him to one of the top players of the 21st century.
In 2001, Ronaldinho joined Paris Saint-Germain from Grêmio, the club where he was groomed as a player. His time at PSG was a showcase to the world of his talent. Within just 2 seasons, he scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 95 games. Even though his stay in Paris was relatively short, he remains one of the standout figures in the history of PSG.
During those 2 seasons, Ronaldinho helped PSG win the Intertoto Cup in 2001 and the Coupe de France in 2003. However, it was during his tenure at Barcelona that he reached the zenith of his career, securing the Ballon d’Or in 2005. Not just for his club, Ronaldinho is also recognized as one of the greatest Brazilian players of all time.
12. Neymar
Neymar is undoubtedly one of the standout players of the past decade, along with Messi and Ronaldo. He’s a true wizard with the soccer ball, capable of pulling off the most astonishing technical moves. He’s not just a scorer, but also a skilled passer, and it’s his exceptional understanding of the game that sets him apart on the field. Depending on his future performances, Neymar could climb higher in the list of the best players in PSG’s history.
His journey began at Santos FC in Brazil, and he later moved to Barcelona, where he excelled. Since joining PSG in 2017 for a record-breaking transfer fee of 222 million, Neymar has been a source of delight for the Parisian fans. Despite battling several injuries, the Brazilian often makes decisive contributions. In 173 games, he has scored 118 goals and provided 74 assists to his teammates, including Mbappé.
Neymar has already secured several titles with Paris Saint-Germain. He has been a French champion in 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021. He’s also clinched 3 French cups and 2 League cups. In 2020, he led the team to the Champions League final, where PSG narrowly lost to Bayern Munich. Beyond his skills on the field, Neymar is also known for being one of the highest-paid soccer players in the world.
11. Angel Di Maria
After a difficult time at Manchester United, Angel Di Maria, an Argentina winger, joined PSG with hopes of a fresh beginning and lots of success. Fortunately, that’s exactly what unfolded as Di Maria played a crucial role in the PSG team for a few seasons.
Di Maria’s time with the club saw him make almost 200 appearances, scoring 56 goals, before he moved to the Italian powerhouse Juventus during the summer transfer window of 2022.
Coming from Rosario, Argentina, Di Maria became one of the notable players in PSG’s history and a prominent face of the team in recent times. He holds the record for the most assists in the history of PSG with an impressive count of 119.
In total, he participated in 295 games, scored 93 goals, and achieved an impressive tally of 18 titles. These include five Ligue titles (2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2021/22), four Coupe de France victories (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2021/22), four Coupe de la Ligue triumphs (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2019/20), and five Trophée des champions wins (2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, 2019/20, and 2020/21).
10. Francois M’Pele
François M’Pelé, a player from Congo, was among the initial figures to be associated with the Parisian club. His journey as a soccer player began in his home country, where his exceptional skills quickly caught the eye of European teams.
In 1973, when he was just 22 years old, M’Pelé, a striker, signed with Paris Saint-Germain. Back then, the team was competing in the French second division. M’Pelé emerged as a key player and played a significant role in helping PSG get promoted to the top division in 1974.
In 1979, M’Pelé left PSG to join AS Saint-Étienne, another prominent French football team. However, his time with this team wasn’t as successful as his stint with PSG. In 1981, he made the decision to return to his home country and continue his football career in African leagues.
During his time with PSG, M’Pelé participated in a total of 208 games and scored an impressive 97 goals.
9. Mustapha Dahleb
Born in Algeria in 1952, Mustapha Dahleb started his football journey with USM Algiers before making his way to a French club in 1974. During his remarkable 10 years at PSG, Dahleb emerged as one of the most vital and influential players for the French team.
Among PSG supporters, Dahleb was lovingly referred to as “Mus.” He’s remembered as the club’s earliest standout goal scorer. Over his 310 appearances for the Parisian team, he found the back of the net 98 times and also contributed with 80 assists. However, his impact extended beyond the numbers. Dahleb was known for his grace and technical finesse, easily navigating past defenders to create opportunities for his teammates.
While Ligue 1 championship eluded him during his PSG tenure, Dahleb did secure victory in the Coupe de France twice in 1981/82 and 1982/83. His pivotal role in achieving these titles was undeniable, as he scored crucial goals in both triumphs.
With his nickname “Mus,” the Algerian player holds a notable place as one of the top goal-scorers in PSG’s history. He played a total of 310 matches for the club and scored an impressive 98 goals.
8. Lionel Messi
The greatest footballer of all time, renowned mainly for his time at Barcelona, couldn’t be left out from this list. Lionel Messi became a part of PSG in 2021 after FIFA regulations led to his departure from Barcelona.
Undoubtedly the world’s finest player, he clinched 35 titles during his spell with the Spanish club.
Since his arrival at PSG, Messi hasn’t quite replicated the same level he achieved in Spain, but he’s still displaying flashes of his former brilliance. Across 75 games with the club, the Argentine legend has netted 32 goals and has aspirations to further enhance this record in the current season.
Currently, he has moved on from PSG and is now playing for Inter Miami in the USA.
7. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimović, a Swedish player, is a legendary figure at Paris Saint-Germain. He’s a powerful forward with a considerable physical presence, which gives him an edge in most on-field battles. His unique mix of strength and martial arts background allows him to execute innovative moves. Known for his incredible finishing ability, he boasts an impressive goals-per-game ratio that places him among the top 20 goal-scorers in history.
After stints with several prominent European clubs, including Juventus, Inter Milan, and Barcelona, Ibrahimović joined PSG in 2012. He remained with the team for 4 seasons, during which he netted 156 goals and provided 54 assists in 180 games. This achievement makes him the second-highest goal scorer for Paris Saint-Germain, trailing only behind Cavani. Ibrahimović’s immense contribution on and off the field solidifies his status as one of the best players in PSG’s history.
In total, Ibrahimović played 180 games, scored 156 goals (ranking him as the club’s third all-time top scorer), provided 61 assists, and claimed 12 titles: four Ligue titles (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16), two Coupe de France victories (2014/15 and 2015/16), three Coupe de la Ligue wins (2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16), and three Trophée des champions triumphs (2013/14, 2014/15, and 2015/16).
6. Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani is undeniably one of the greatest players in the history of Paris Saint-Germain. He’s a speedy forward who excels in counter-attacks and capitalizes on the spaces left by the opposing defense. Strong yet unassuming, one of his standout qualities is his remarkable finishing ability, which has led to numerous goals for PSG.
After his time with Danubio FC in Uruguay, as well as Palermo and Naples, Cavani arrived in Paris in 2013. He remained with PSG for an impressive 7 seasons and gained a reputation as a player greatly valued by fans due to his dedication on the field and his down-to-earth attitude. Thanks to his goal-scoring prowess, Edinson Cavani holds the record for the most goals in the history of PSG, tallying an incredible 200 goals. He also stands as the club’s top scorer in the European Cup with 30 goals.
In total, Cavani participated in 301 games, netting 200 goals (making him the club’s second all-time top scorer), and assisting 43 times. He secured an astonishing 22 titles, including six Ligue titles (2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20), four Coupe de France victories (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18), five Coupe de la Ligue wins (2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, and 2017/18), and seven Trophée des champions triumphs (2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20).
5. Bernard Lama
Bernard Lama is considered the greatest goalkeeper in PSG’s history. He earned the nickname “the cat” for his calmness and impressive agility. He was known for his quick reactions and impressive jumps to catch the ball. Lama was a strong and commanding goalkeeper who made his defense feel secure and saved his team when they needed him. Among all the players in PSG’s history, he’s the only goalkeeper in the list of the best.
After playing well for different French clubs like Lille, Metz, and Lens, Lama joined Paris Saint-Germain in 1992. It was tough for him to follow in the footsteps of Joël Bats, but he quickly proved he was up to the challenge and won the love of the Parisian fans. Lama stayed with PSG for 8 seasons, including a short time with West Ham in 1998.
Lama has one of the best records with PSG. He became a French champion in 1994 and also won the Coupe de France twice. In European competitions, he helped PSG reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup in 1993 and the Champions League in 1995. In 1996, Lama and PSG celebrated their first international victory by winning the Cup Winners’ Cup.
4. Safet Sušić
After spending 9 seasons with FK Sarajevo in his home country of Bosnia, Safet Sušić made his move to Paris Saint-Germain in 1982. In his debut season at PSG, Sušić played a pivotal role in leading the team to victory in the 1982/83 Coupe de France, scoring twice in the final against Nantes. Throughout his tenure, he became a central figure in the midfield, contributing significantly to PSG’s first-ever league title win in the 1985/86 season. In total, he played 345 games, scored 85 goals, provided 103 assists, and secured two titles: a Ligue title in 1985/86 and a Coupe de France in 1982/83.
Safet Sušić was instrumental in clinching PSG’s first-ever French championship title in 1986, as well as their Coupe de France victory in 1983. This attacking midfielder also reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup with the Yugoslav national team in 1990. Safet Sušić is undoubtedly regarded as one of the finest players in the history of Paris Saint-Germain.
Before making the move, Sušić had already made a name for himself as one of the top players in the Bosnian league while playing for Sarajevo. His skills drew the attention of Paris Saint-Germain FC, leading to his signing in 1982.
3. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva, the formidable Brazilian defender, is widely regarded as the best defensive player ever to represent the club. He stood out as one of the most dedicated and faithful players for PSG before moving to Chelsea last season. Silva’s association with the club began in 2012, marking another significant signing following Qatar’s takeover.
Once considered the finest defender globally, Silva amassed over 200 appearances for the club, clearly indicating his enjoyment of playing for PSG.
The Brazilian defender effortlessly won over the hearts of Parisian fans with his commitment, determination, and impeccable conduct both on and off the field. His qualities positioned him as a natural leader and captain for eight years, making him the player who wore the captain’s armband for the longest period in PSG’s history.
During his career at the club, he participated in 315 games, scoring 17 goals and assisting seven times. He collected an astounding total of 26 titles, including seven Ligue titles (2012/13, 2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20), five Coupe de France victories (2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2019/20), six Coupe de la Ligue triumphs (2013/14, 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, and 2019/20), and seven Trophée des champions wins (2012/13, 2013/14, 2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20). Thiago Silva’s legacy at PSG is truly remarkable.
2. Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappé, the French striker, stands as one of the most prominent stars in today’s global football scene. His arrival at PSG in 2017 from AS Monaco quickly left a significant mark on the history of the Parisian club. With impressive speed and power, he possesses the ability to outmaneuver any defender through his extraordinary technique and agility.
Remarkably, in just 6 seasons at PSG, Mbappé has already netted 196 goals in 243 matches across all competitions. Hailing from Bondy, France, he boasts an impressive collection of titles, including 4 French championships, 3 French cups, and 1 League cup. His journey also led him to the Champions League final in 2020, where he contributed with a goal.
Mbappé holds a crucial role in the French national team as well, having earned 77 caps and scored 46 goals. His most significant achievement with the national squad is undoubtedly the 2018 World Cup victory. During the tournament, he scored 4 goals, including one in the final against Croatia. In 2022, he once again propelled France to a World Cup final and even managed a hat-trick, although the team ultimately lost in a penalty shootout. Remarkably, at just 24 years old, he is already regarded as one of the world’s premier players and has firmly etched his name in the annals of PSG’s history.
1. Rai
Raí Souza Vieira de Oliveira, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, stands as unquestionably the greatest player in the history of PSG. Renowned for his technical finesse, he possesses an exceptional understanding of the game. Beyond his precise passing, Raí boasts the ability to score, making him a versatile and unpredictable force. A true playmaker, he held the captaincy not only at Paris Saint-Germain but also in the Brazilian national team.
In 1993, the Brazilian maestro joined Paris from FC Sao Paulo, where he had already secured 2 Copa Libertadores titles and even emerged victorious in an Intercontinental Cup clash against Johan Cruyff’s Barcelona. Despite a challenging initial season, Raí swiftly asserted himself at PSG as an undeniable leader in the attack. Throughout his 5-year tenure at the club, he impressively scored 72 goals in 215 appearances and contributed a significant number of assists.
During his time with PSG, Raí claimed the French championship in 1994 and secured the Coupe de France title twice, along with two Coupe de la Ligue victories. Notably, after reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 1994, he led PSG to victory in the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1996, marking the club’s first and only European trophy. An iconic captain with immense talent, Raí occupies the top spot in our list of the greatest players in the history of Paris Saint-Germain.
