Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has become one of the most dominant football clubs in the world, and its rich history is filled with legendary players who have defined the club’s identity. From world-class attackers to defensive stalwarts, PSG’s best players have shaped the landscape of French and international football.
Let’s take a closer look at the 10 best PSG players of all time, ranking them based on their impact, achievements, and legacy at the club.
10. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva, widely regarded as one of the best defenders of his generation, made an indelible impact at PSG from 2012 to 2020. The Brazilian center-back brought leadership, composure, and defensive solidity to the squad. Over the course of 315 appearances, Silva scored 17 goals and provided steady leadership as the club’s captain.
Under his leadership, PSG won 7 Ligue 1 titles, 5 Coupe de France, and 6 Coupe de la Ligue titles. Silva’s ability to read the game and his partnership with other defensive legends like Marquinhos cemented his legacy as a cornerstone of the club’s success during the 2010s.
9. Pauleta
A prolific goal-scorer and one of the best strikers in PSG’s history, Pedro Miguel Pauleta played for the club from 2003 to 2008. The Portuguese forward netted an impressive 109 goals in 212 appearances, making him one of the club’s all-time leading scorers.
Pauleta’s clinical finishing and ability to perform in crucial moments helped PSG secure the Coupe de France twice during his tenure. He remains one of the most beloved figures in the club’s history, and his ability to lead the attack was instrumental during PSG’s early 2000s resurgence.
8. Marco Verratti
Across 11 seasons Marco Verratti was the beating heart of the club’s midfield. Known for his incredible passing range, vision, and tireless work ethic, the Italian has been central to PSG’s dominance in French football. With 416 appearances for the club, Verratti wonnine8 Ligue 1 titles, and the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue six times.
His passing accuracy, dribbling, and ball retention have made him one of the best midfielders in Europe. Despite not always getting the global recognition he deserves, Verratti’s impact at PSG is undeniable, and he remains a vital part of their setup.
7. Safet Sušić
In the 1980s, Safet Sušić was the player who transformed PSG’s attacking play with his creative genius. The Bosnian midfielder played for the club from 1982 to 1991, and during his time, he was responsible for some of PSG’s most memorable moments.
Sušić made 344 appearances, scoring 85 goals, and was known for his sublime dribbling, vision, and free-kick ability. He helped PSG win the 1983 Coupe de France and was instrumental in winning the league in 1986. Sušić remains one of PSG’s most skillful and revered playmakers, and his contribution to the club’s growth during the 1980s is legendary.
6. George Weah
Liberian football legend George Weah was PSG’s attacking powerhouse from 1992 to 1995, leaving a lasting legacy. Weah was known for his pace, strength, and clinical finishing, making him one of the most complete strikers of his time. In 138 appearances, he scored 55 goals and played a pivotal role in PSG’s attack.
His most notable achievement with the club was winning the league in winning France’s Division 1 in 1994. Weah’s performances in the mid-1990s caught the attention of the football world, and his career eventually led him to win the 1995 Ballon d’Or. Though his time at PSG was short, his impact was profound.
5. Neymar Jr.
After arriving at PSG in 2017 as one of the greatest players in Santos FC history*, Neymar Jr. went on to become one of PSG’s biggest stars and a key player in their attacking setup. With his flair, dribbling, and ability to change the course of a game, Neymar has played a crucial role in helping PSG achieve domestic and international success.
Despite the injuries, Neymar made 173 appearances and scored 118 goals in six seasons. His contributions helped PSG win five Ligue 1 and helped the club to reach the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final. Neymar’s combination of skill and big-game performances have solidified his place as one of PSG’s best ever players.
4. Edinson Cavani
Edinson Cavani is PSG’s all-time top scorer, a title he earned during his 2013 to 2020 spell at the club. The Uruguayan forward scored an astonishing 200 goals in 301 appearances, becoming the club’s most prolific striker in history. Cavani’s relentless work ethic, aerial ability, and clinical finishing made him a constant threat for PSG in domestic and international competitions.
During his time, Cavani helped PSG secure six Ligue 1 titles, five Coupe de France titles, and six Coupe de la Ligue trophies. His ability to score goals in any circumstance, combined with his leadership and passion, cemented his legacy as a PSG legend.
3. Carlos Bianchi
Argentine striker Carlos Bianchi was PSG’s star forward in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bianchi played for the club from 1977 to 1979, scoring an impressive 71 goals in 80 appearances.
Although his time at the club was brief, Bianchi’s clinical touch and consistent performances cemented his place as one of PSG’s best ever forwards thanks to his lethal finishing and poaching ability.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan Ibrahimović is undoubtedly one of the most dominant and charismatic players to ever grace PSG. The Swedish striker’s powerful presence, flair, and ability to score spectacular goals left a lasting impact on the club. Ibrahimović played for PSG from 2012 to 2016, scoring 156 goals in 180 appearances.
He helped lead PSG to four consecutive Ligue 1 titles, alongside two Coupe de France and three Coupe de la Ligue trophies. Ibrahimović’s leadership and larger-than-life personality helped elevate PSG into European contention, and he remains one of the club’s most influential figures, both on and off the pitch.
1. Kylian Mbappé
At just 24 years old, Kylian Mbappé has already achieved what many players can only dream of, and before a move to Real Madrid he firmly established himself as PSG’s best player of all time. Joining the club in 2017, Mbappé’s speed, dribbling, and clinical finishing have made him one of the most exciting players in the world.
With 308 appearances and 256 goals in six seasons Mbappé helped PSG win six Ligue 1 titles and helped the club reach the 2020 UEFA Champions League Final. Mbappé’s performances in big moments, particularly in European competition and the World Cup, have elevated him to global superstardom.
Conclusion
Paris Saint-Germain’s history is defined by the brilliance of these legendary players. From the early days of Safet Sušić and Carlos Bianchi to the modern era of Kylian Mbappé and Zlatan Ibrahimović, PSG has consistently attracted world-class talent.
These players not only achieved domestic dominance in France but also left a profound mark on European football. Whether through their goals, assists, or leadership, the best PSG players have created a legacy that will be remembered for generations.
