The 25 Best PSG Players of the 21st Century – Ranked

September 1, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

Since the turn of the millennium, Paris Saint-Germain has undergone a dramatic evolution — transforming from a respected French club into a global football powerhouse. The QSI takeover in 2011 brought unprecedented ambition, superstar signings, and domestic dominance. But which players have truly left their mark? Here’s our ranking of the 25 most impactful PSG players of the 21st century, measured by performance, influence, and legacy.

25. Salvatore Sirigu

Before the likes of Navas and Donnarumma, it was Sirigu who held things down in goal. Signed early in the QSI era, he broke the Ligue 1 clean-sheet record in his second season and helped PSG to a domestic treble in 2014–15. Despite making nearly 200 appearances, he was ultimately benched in favor of Kevin Trapp and quietly faded from the spotlight.

24. Nene

Nene lit up PSG in the pre-QSI days with flair, free-kicks, and a golden boot in the 2011–12 season. He remained a standout even after the club was bought, but soon found himself pushed aside by high-profile arrivals. Still, fans remember his contributions fondly.

23. Lionel Messi

Messi's PSG tenure will be remembered as efficient but underwhelming by his own astronomical standards. Though he managed 67 goal contributions in 75 games and won the Ballon d'Or during his time, he never quite clicked with the fans and left in 2023 after two mixed seasons.

22. Christophe Jallet

A steady presence during PSG’s transition into a global powerhouse, Jallet rose from backup to club captain under Carlo Ancelotti. His versatility and professionalism earned him nearly 150 appearances and the admiration of teammates and fans alike.

21. Ezequiel Lavezzi

Lavezzi arrived as a marquee signing from Napoli and helped PSG secure their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years. Although not always consistent, his energy, flair, and popularity in the dressing room made him a key figure during the club’s early QSI phase.

20. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Signed on a free transfer in 2021, Donnarumma's PSG career is still unfolding. He’s established himself as first choice and has kept a clean sheet in a quarter of his appearances, though he’s yet to truly dominate in the way expected of him.

19. Ronaldinho

Before becoming a global superstar at Barcelona, Ronaldinho showed flashes of brilliance in Paris. His time at PSG was marked by dazzling dribbles, inconsistent performances, and a tense relationship with his coach. Even so, he left with 42 goal contributions in 77 appearances—and a legacy that hinted at the greatness to come.

18. Gabriel Heinze

The tough Argentine defender was a rock at the back in the early 2000s. He made 132 appearances and was a key figure in PSG’s 2004 Coupe de France win before earning a move to Manchester United. Gritty and no-nonsense, Heinze remains an underrated fan favorite.

17. Jay-Jay Okocha

The original entertainer, Okocha wowed crowds with jaw-dropping skill and unorthodox flair. Though he only won an Intertoto Cup with PSG, he left a lasting impression—and even claimed to have influenced a young Ronaldinho, with whom he briefly shared the pitch.

16. Javier Pastore

Among the first high-profile QSI signings, Pastore dazzled with his technique and vision. He hit 16 goals in his first season and later registered 17 assists in 2014–15. Injuries hampered his longevity, but his elegance and creativity made him beloved in Paris.

15. Presnel Kimpembe

A homegrown success story, Kimpembe has made over 250 appearances despite injury setbacks. His aggressive defending and leadership have helped him carve out a place among big-name signings, symbolizing PSG’s renewed focus on academy talent.

14. Achraf Hakimi

Since arriving in 2021, Hakimi has impressed as an attacking full-back, contributing 37 goals and assists in 128 matches. With pace, technical ability, and attacking instincts, he’s become a fixture in PSG’s tactical setup.

13. Maxwell

A model of consistency, Maxwell made over 200 appearances and won Ligue 1 in five of his six seasons. Quiet but dependable, the Brazilian full-back also chipped in with 25 assists and 13 goals. He’s now a key figure in PSG’s backroom staff.

12. Keylor Navas

A Champions League-winning goalkeeper at Real Madrid, Navas brought top-tier shot-stopping and composure to Paris. He shined during his early years at the club but was sidelined after Donnarumma’s arrival. His departure in 2024 was met with widespread appreciation.

11. Thiago Motta

An intelligent, composed midfielder, Motta was PSG’s unsung hero in midfield from 2012 to 2018. He made over 230 appearances, winning five league titles and countless domestic trophies. Rarely flashy but always effective, he was vital to PSG’s engine room.

10. Blaise Matuidi

A high-energy midfielder who arrived in 2011, Matuidi brought relentless drive and clutch goals, including memorable strikes against Marseille, Lyon, and Barcelona. With nearly 300 appearances and 16 trophies, he became a key part of PSG’s rise.

9. Ángel Di María

Angel Di Maria — Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

Di María was PSG’s creative heartbeat for years, tallying 212 goal contributions in 295 games. He delivered big moments—especially in Europe—and terrorized defences with his dribbling and long-range shooting. His departure marked the end of an era.

8. Marco Verratti

Verratti embodied PSG’s modern midfield identity with his blend of bite and finesse. He played 416 games over more than a decade, winning 22 major trophies and earning cult hero status. His passion, vision, and resilience made him indispensable.

7. Pauleta

The pre-QSI talisman, Pauleta scored 109 goals and stood out in a struggling side. He twice finished Ligue 1’s top scorer and delivered when it mattered—most notably in the 2004 French Cup final. For many fans, he was PSG’s first modern-day legend.

6. Marquinhos

Still going strong, Marquinhos has become PSG’s all-time appearance leader with over 450 games. A dependable centre-back and long-serving captain, he’s delivered time and again in key moments—particularly in PSG’s European campaigns.

5. Thiago Silva

“Il Monstro” was PSG’s defensive anchor for nearly a decade. With over 300 appearances and seven Ligue 1 titles, Silva’s composure and leadership helped turn PSG into a European powerhouse. He remains one of the club’s most respected figures.

4. Edinson Cavani

Cavani scored 200 goals in 300 matches, earning a reputation as one of the game's most ruthless finishers. His best season came in 2016–17 with 49 goals across all competitions. A tireless worker, he left as a club legend and fan favorite.

3. Neymar

Neymar’s PSG career was a mix of jaw-dropping brilliance and frustrating injuries. He delivered 195 goal contributions in just 173 matches and dazzled when fit. His world-record transfer fee may never be topped—but nor will the debate over his legacy.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimović

Zlatan scored 156 goals in 180 games and redefined PSG’s status in world football. He was top scorer in Ligue 1 three times and brought unmatched charisma. As he famously said: “I came like a king, left like a legend.”

1. Kylian Mbappé

PSG’s all-time leading scorer, Mbappé’s numbers—256 goals and 108 assists in 308 games—are outrageous. Signed as a teen for €180m, he became the face of the club and French football. Despite a strained exit, he delivered on every level domestically.