20 best PSG players of the 21st century - ranked

One of the youngest powerhouses in European football, Paris Saint-Germain has undergone a dramatic transformation in the 21st century. The club’s €70 million (£58m/$76m) acquisition by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2011 turned PSG into the dominant force in French football, overtaking rivals Lyon and becoming regular contenders in the Champions League.

This success has come at a hefty price, with QSI investing unprecedented sums in star talent, including the record-breaking acquisition of Neymar in 2017. Despite this, the elusive Champions League title remains out of reach.

From the QSI era to the years preceding it, many exceptional players have donned PSG's colors in the pursuit of greatness. Betimate ranks the 20 best players from what has been a remarkable chapter in the club's relatively short history.

20. Gianluigi Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma has the potential to rise significantly on this list, with the 25-year-old yet to reach his prime. PSG pulled off a major coup by luring the Italian away from AC Milan in 2021, though his initial time in Paris was marked by a battle for the No.1 spot with Keylor Navas.

Now firmly established as the first-choice goalkeeper, Donnarumma has perhaps not yet reached the towering expectations set for him. Still, his sharp shot-stopping abilities have helped him secure clean sheets in a quarter of his appearances for PSG. He is poised to be a reliable long-term No.1 for the club.

19. Ronaldinho

If you’ve ever wondered where Ronaldinho first made his mark in European football, the answer is PSG. The Brazilian sensation moved to the Parisian club from his boyhood team, Grêmio, in 2001 for a fee that ended up being less than £3 million. Despite a slow start and clashes with then-manager Luis Fernandez over his lifestyle, Ronaldinho gradually began showcasing his world-class talent. His outrageous flicks, tricks, and showboating dazzled the football world. Though inconsistent at times, he still made a significant impact, contributing to 42 goals in 77 appearances before Barcelona came knocking in 2003.

18. Gabriel Heinze

A man who would go on to become an unsung hero for both Manchester United and Real Madrid, Gabriel Heinze first made a name for himself in Europe at PSG. The French club was where the no-nonsense defender made the most appearances of his career (132). Heinze was a key figure for Les Parisiens during his three years in the capital, consistently solid at the back. He played a crucial role in PSG's 2004 Coupe de France victory, though he missed the final. His impressive performances in Paris earned him a move to Manchester United that same summer.

17. Jay-Jay Okocha

The man so good they named him twice. Incredibly, PSG boasted both Jay-Jay Okocha and Ronaldinho in the same squad during the 2001-02 season. While Okocha was nearing the end of his time in Paris, he would soon become a cult hero in the Premier League at Bolton. Reflecting on his PSG days, Okocha believes he influenced Ronaldinho's development: "Ronaldinho tried to imitate some of my skills and dribbles," he told On Time Sports.

Okocha was PSG's original showman of the 2000s, dazzling fans at Parc des Princes with his incredible skills and dribbling flair. Despite joining from Fenerbahce for a significant transfer fee, his trophy haul in Paris was underwhelming, leaving in 2002 after four years and 113 appearances with only an Intertoto Cup to his name.

16. Javier Pastore

Javier Pastore was one of the first major signings of the QSI era at PSG, quickly becoming a fan favorite despite recurring injury troubles. The skillful attacking midfielder impressed in his debut season, scoring 16 goals and instantly winning over the supporters—though he never quite replicated those numbers. His creativity shone brightest in the 2014-15 season, when he provided 17 assists.

Although injuries and PSG’s growing investment in players for similar roles limited his impact over time, Pastore is still remembered fondly by the fans for his elegance and flair on the pitch.

15. Presnel Kimpembe

Amid the influx of big-name signings following PSG's Qatari-backed takeover, the dream scenario was always to see academy talents shine alongside the star arrivals. While many homegrown players have been sold over the years, ball-playing, tough-tackling defender Presnel Kimpembe has defied the trend.

Now 29, the center-back has made over 250 appearances for his boyhood club, despite battling injuries. Kimpembe stands as a symbol of hope for PSG’s youth academy, inspiring a new wave of talent now making their mark on the first team as the club embarks on a fresh path.

14. Achraf Hakimi

Snapped up from Inter’s Scudetto-winning side in 2021, Achraf Hakimi has further cemented his reputation as one of the top attacking full-backs during his time in Paris.

A near ever-present in the lineup, Hakimi quickly became a crucial player, contributing 37 goals and assists in 128 appearances, despite his role as a defender. Having played for Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, and Inter, it’s at PSG where Hakimi seems to have truly found his stride and settled into his best form.

13. Maxwell

The official Ligue 1 website puts it perfectly when describing Maxwell: a "quiet legend." The left-back enjoyed five seasons of loyal service at PSG, winning the Ligue 1 title in every campaign except his last, while also helping secure numerous cup victories. Remarkably, he retired as the most decorated club footballer in history.

A dependable presence in defence, Maxwell made over 200 appearances, contributing 25 assists and 13 goals, becoming a beloved figure at the club. His impact was so profound that he returned in a leadership role, now serving as assistant sporting director.

12. Keylor Navas

PSG's treatment of Keylor Navas remains a puzzling chapter in the club's history, especially considering he was once regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world during his time at Parc des Princes. Signed from Real Madrid in 2021, Navas exemplified the modern goalkeeper, showcasing exceptional agility, shot-stopping skills, and ball-playing ability.

However, PSG's pursuit of AC Milan's rising star, Gianluigi Donnarumma, in 2021 led to a shared role between the two goalkeepers, ultimately pushing the Costa Rican out of the picture. Navas received a hero's farewell when he departed as a free agent in 2024.

11. Thiago Motta

PSG's treatment of Keylor Navas remains somewhat of a mystery, but for a time, he was one of the world's top goalkeepers at Parc des Princes. Signed from Real Madrid in 2021, Navas epitomized the modern goalkeeper, showcasing impressive agility and shot-stopping skills alongside his ball-playing ability.

However, PSG's pursuit of AC Milan sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma in 2021 led to a shared role between the two keepers, ultimately pushing the Costa Rican out of the picture. Navas received a hero's farewell as he left the club as a free agent in 2024.

10. Blaise Matuidi

Joining the first wave of QSI signings in 2011 for a modest €8 million, Blaise Matuidi quickly became a standout success in Paris, forming a pivotal midfield partnership with Thiago Motta. Known for his relentless energy and all-action style, Matuidi had a knack for delivering crucial goals against top rivals like Lyon, Marseille, and Barcelona on multiple occasions.

His contributions earned him a special place in the hearts of fans, as he amassed nearly 300 tireless appearances, scoring 33 goals and providing 29 assists. During his time with PSG, he won 16 trophies before moving to Juventus in 2017.

9. Angel Di Maria

One of the greatest wingers to ever play the game, Ángel Di María enjoyed the bulk of his career at PSG, where he recorded an astonishing 212 goal contributions in 295 appearances for the club. After a challenging stint at Manchester United, he made an explosive start in Paris, with 40 of those contributions coming in his debut season.

Throughout his seven years at PSG, Di María was a consistent performer, showcasing his exceptional dribbling, crossing, and long-range shooting, primarily from the right wing. He quickly became a fan favorite, thanks in large part to a series of clutch performances, notably during the 2019-20 Champions League semi-finals, where he scored and provided two assists.

8. Marco Verratti

At just 31 years old, Marco Verratti devoted the prime years of his career to PSG, spending over a decade at the Parc des Princes and solidifying his reputation as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. Known for his aggressive tackling and willingness to collect yellow cards, Verratti also showcased an immense level of class and control on the ball, becoming a crucial figure for PSG throughout the 2010s and beyond.

Amassing 416 appearances, he ranks second in the club's all-time list of appearance-makers. By the time he left in 2023, Verratti had claimed an impressive 22 major trophies.

7. Pauleta

A hero of PSG's pre-QSI era, Pauleta was the club's go-to marksman throughout the 2000s, well before the arrival of star-studded signings. The former Portugal international netted 109 goals during a relatively lean period for the club, becoming PSG's all-time leading scorer—a record eventually surpassed by the high-profile recruits of the Qatari ownership.

Pauleta finished as Ligue 1's top scorer three times and remained loyal to the Parisiens for five years, despite interest from other clubs. He is forever cherished at the Parc des Princes, particularly for ending a six-year trophy drought with his goal in the 2004 French Cup final and his strike in the 2008 Coupe de la Ligue final.

6. Marquinhos

Marquinhos, now known as 'Mr. PSG', has solidified his place as one of the greatest signings in the club's history over more than a decade in the French capital. The Brazilian has developed into a world-class centre-back and has captained the team for the last five years, delivering in key moments, such as his crucial performances during the 2020 Champions League semi-finals, even though PSG fell short in the final.

With over 450 appearances—and counting—Marquinhos holds the record for the most games played for the club, a testament to his enduring impact and leadership.

5. Thiago Silva

One of PSG's most understated yet impactful signings, Thiago Silva was pivotal in transforming the club into the European powerhouse it is today. A legend at every club he's played for, his status in Paris is no exception.

Nicknamed "O Monstro," Silva delivered numerous towering performances at the heart of PSG's defense, amassing over 300 appearances and leading the team to seven Ligue 1 titles as captain. Widely regarded as one of the world's top centre-backs during his time in the French capital, Silva's legacy at PSG remains untouchable.

4. Edinson Cavani

PSG have been spoiled with attacking brilliance in the 21st century, and Edinson Cavani ranks among the finest. A lethal finisher, Cavani's 200 goals in just 300 appearances place him second on the club’s all-time scoring list.

Consistently prolific, his standout season was 2016-17, where he netted an astonishing 35 goals in 36 league games, with 14 more across cup competitions. Like many others in the Qatari-backed era, Cavani left PSG with a haul of winners' medals and the adoration of fans, cementing his legacy as one of the club's greats.

3. Neymar

In a different timeline, Neymar could easily have topped this list. Despite his contentious exit in 2023, he remains one of the greatest players to ever don PSG’s iconic dark blue shirt.

The Brazilian's arrival in 2017 was a defining moment for the QSI era, as PSG stunned the football world by triggering his €222m (£185m/$241m) buyout clause from Barcelona. Neymar dazzled fans with moments of breathtaking brilliance, flair, and sublime goals over seven years, contributing an astounding 195 goals and assists in just 173 appearances.

However, injuries and the elusive Champions League title overshadowed his time in Paris. His departure for Al-Hilal came after his relationship with the club and its supporters deteriorated, marking the end of an era.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic arguably launched PSG’s superstar era, commanding the world’s attention with his arrival and dazzling fans with his unforgettable performances. As he famously put it, he "arrived a king and left a legend," leaving behind a legacy of extraordinary goals that became a hallmark of his time in Paris.

Top scorer in Ligue 1 on three occasions, Zlatan’s final season saw him net an astonishing 38 goals in the league, becoming the club's all-time leading scorer at the time. His tenure at PSG yielded 156 goals and 56 assists in just 180 appearances, along with four consecutive league titles.

Signed from AC Milan for a modest €20m (£17m/$22m), Zlatan is widely regarded as the best-value signing of PSG's modern era, forever cementing his place as a club legend at Parc des Princes.

1. Kylian Mbappe

The top spot was always going to be hotly contested given the elite talent PSG have boasted over the last 25 years, but Kylian Mbappé takes the crown for his unrivaled combination of goals, longevity, and consistency. With blistering pace and lethal finishing, he is arguably the most devastating forward French football has ever seen.

Mbappé’s stats in a PSG shirt are staggering: 256 goals in 308 appearances, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer by 56 goals ahead of Cavani—a record that will be incredibly tough to surpass. His 108 assists also speak to his all-around impact.

Though like Neymar, he couldn’t bring PSG the elusive Champions League title, and his relationship with the club soured as he neared an expected free transfer to Real Madrid, few would argue he wasn’t worth every cent of the €180m (£150m/$195m) PSG paid Monaco for him in 2017. Mbappé left Paris with 17 major trophies, securing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest.