Paris Saint-Germain Legends: The 10 Greatest Players Who Defined PSG History
Paris Saint-Germain achieved their maiden European triumph in 2025, delivering a spectacular 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in what proved to be a commanding UEFA Champions League final display.
While every member of that championship-winning squad will rightfully earn their place in club legend, there exist other figures from previous eras who hold equal reverence among PSG supporters—possessing comparable talent levels—despite never claiming European football's most coveted trophy.
Considering this perspective, we have compiled a ranking of PSG's 10 most exceptional players throughout history, evaluating their technical ability, accomplishments, and enduring influence at the Parc des Princes.
(Apologies to Lionel Messi. Despite being considered soccer's greatest talent ever, you narrowly missed inclusion on this occasion.)
10. Ronaldinho
Based purely on natural ability, Ronaldinho could easily claim the summit of this ranking.
A genuine wizard when controlling the ball, 'Dinho mesmerized spectators and bewildered opponents through his fluid dribbling skills, extraordinary vision, and that iconic grin. He approached the sport with an infectious enthusiasm rarely witnessed—consistently operating several moves ahead of every other player on the field.
However, PSG supporters experienced only a brief taste of his brilliance. Throughout his two-year stint in the French capital (2001–2003), the Brazilian netted 25 times across 77 matches. Beyond the statistics, it was his approach—his inventiveness, boldness, and charisma—that immediately endeared him to the Parc des Princes faithful.
His displays proved so captivating that Barcelona pursued him in 2003. At Camp Nou, he would evolve into a worldwide phenomenon and Ballon d'Or recipient. Yet it was in Paris where Ronaldinho truly commenced his journey toward footballing legend status.
9. Dominique Rocheteau
While his reputation might not resonate with PSG's newer generation of supporters, Dominique Rocheteau represented one of the club's initial genuine superstars.
Ranking sixth among PSG's all-time goal contributors with 100 strikes across seven campaigns (1980–1987), the graceful winger played an essential part in securing the Parisians' inaugural major silverware.
Rocheteau led PSG to consecutive Coupe de France victories in 1981–82 and 1982–83, memorably netting a crucial extra-time leveler in the opening final against a talented Saint-Étienne squad featuring Michel Platini, before confidently succeeding in the penalty shootout. Two seasons later, he found the net 19 times in Ligue 1—placing second in the division's scoring charts—as PSG claimed their debut league championship in 1985–86.
A pioneer for the organization and among its earliest icons, Rocheteau established the groundwork for PSG's future development.
8. Achraf Hakimi
Might it be premature to label Achraf Hakimi among soccer history's finest right-backs? Though only 26 years old, we believe otherwise.
Hakimi has already excelled at several of the world's most prestigious clubs—Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, and naturally, PSG—where he has solidly established himself as one of the institution's all-time elite performers (in our assessment).
Across four seasons with PSG, the Moroccan has accumulated 168 appearances while consistently producing exceptional performances. Frequently donning the captain's band, he has contributed 23 goals and 35 assists—remarkable statistics for a defender. His collection includes four Ligue 1 championships, two French Cups, and most notably, a historic UEFA Champions League victory where he scored the opening goal in the final.
Hakimi represents the contemporary Cafu—explosive speed, tireless stamina, superior technique—and with numerous years remaining, he might even exceed the Brazilian's legendary reputation, particularly if he can lead Morocco to extraordinary international success.
7. Pauleta
Among PSG supporters, few—if any—players approach Pauleta's standing, who represented the club from 2003 to 2008, immediately preceding the Qatari acquisition. During that period, he registered an outstanding 109 goals across 212 appearances.
"During Paris's challenging periods, Pauleta remained present to score and provide us happiness," one PSG supporter informed GOAT when questioned about their all-time favorite player.
French Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly echoes this opinion, telling the MailOnline: "It's difficult, but if I must select one, it would be Pauleta. I admired him during my childhood. I participated in football from age five to eleven and Pauleta was extremely influential."
A two-footed striker possessing precise finishing, aerial dominance, and an exceptional capacity to convert limited opportunities, Pauleta may have lacked the international recognition or extensive trophy collection of others featured here—but his influence in Paris remains undeniable. He served as the team's emotional core during a challenging period and continues as a genuine cult figure at the Parc des Princes.
6. Raí
Few soccer dynasties can claim greater distinction than the Vieiras (the Brazilian lineage, not the French variety), who have developed two of the sport's most gifted playmakers.
Initially, there was Sócrates—the football intellectual—who merged wisdom and elegance to illuminate his homeland, apart from a short stint with Fiorentina in Italy and, strangely, one match in England for Garforth Town. He flourished for Botafogo, Corinthians, Flamengo, and Santos, becoming a genuine Brazilian soccer legend.
Subsequently came Rai, sharing stylistic similarities with Sócrates but possessing additional physicality, who emerged from his brother's influence to create his own, arguably superior European legacy with PSG. Throughout five seasons at the Parc des Princes, Rai netted 74 goals, captured seven significant titles—including Ligue 1 and the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup—and amazed audiences with his potent combination of technique and power.
While representing PSG, Rai also contributed significantly to Brazil's 1994 World Cup triumph—an accomplishment that escaped Sócrates, despite his excellence and impact.
5. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Due to his conceited attitude, on-field brilliance, tendency to reference himself in third person, and regular self-proclamation as divine, Zlatan Ibrahimović has consistently remained a divisive character—even among supporters of his former teams.
Whether you admire or despise him, his ability, influence, and heritage cannot be questioned—particularly at PSG.
Before the arrivals of Mbappé, Neymar, and Messi, there existed Zlatan: the unofficial captain of a transformed PSG under the multi-billion dollar ownership of Qatari businessman Nasser Al-Khelaifi. His attacking performances converted the club into an on-field powerhouse and global phenomenon beyond it.
Throughout his four seasons at the Parc des Princes, Zlatan netted an impressive 156 goals across 180 matches—many featuring spectacular, acrobatic, or powerful long-distance strikes—establishing himself as PSG's record goalscorer at that time. His supremacy contributed to four straight Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France victories, and two Coupe de la Ligue triumphs.
Upon his 2016 departure, he announced: "I arrived like a king, departed like a legend." Perhaps nauseating—but unquestionably true. Zlatan didn't merely represent PSG; he characterized an entire era of its contemporary history and redefined club legendary status.
4. Neymar Jr.
Similar to Ibrahimović, Neymar sparked debate. Not particularly due to arrogance, but because of his dramatic falls, his tendency to sustain injuries before crucial Champions League matches—or, as many observed, suspiciously near his sister's March birthday.
However, much like Ronaldinho, Neymar undoubtedly ranks among the most naturally talented players to don a PSG jersey.
Apart from perhaps 'Dinho, nobody has illuminated the Parc des Princes quite like Neymar. Effortlessly bypassing defenders, captivating crowds with rainbow flicks and elasticos, he provided constant entertainment. Despite primarily operating wide or supporting the striker, Neymar achieved an incredible 118 goals and 77 assists across 173 appearances.
Whenever he participated, you could rely on his goal involvement—and at least once per game, creating jaw-dropping moments that brought fans to their feet.
Nevertheless, due to his documented injury history, the world-record $242 million transfer fee, and enormous expectations following his Barcelona period, there has always existed an underlying "what if?" regarding Neymar's Parisian tenure.
Yet the reality is, his production—13 major trophies, consistent excellence when healthy, and moments of unstoppable magic—indicates he exceeded expectations. And if he didn't quite maximize his potential at PSG, that only makes his talent more remarkable to contemplate.
3. Marco Verratti
If anyone recognizes exceptional midfield talent, it's Pep Guardiola. This individual helped develop arguably history's greatest midfield combination—Xavi, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets—at Barcelona. He also converted Philipp Lahm from right-back into a world-class central midfielder, maximized Kevin De Bruyne's abilities at Manchester City, and transformed Rodri into a Ballon d'Or champion.
Therefore, when he speaks enthusiastically about a midfielder, you understand they must possess special qualities—which certainly applied to Marco Verratti. Following Guardiola's City team's Champions League defeat to PSG in 2021, he praised the Italian virtuoso.
"I'm infatuated!" he exclaimed. "He's an extraordinary player because he handles pressure while maintaining composure for an additional touch—and in that instant, he generates extra passes beyond our midfield players."
Those magical, frequently underappreciated abilities characterized a brilliant decade at the Parc des Princes, where Verratti secured a then-record nine Ligue 1 championships, 21 major honors, and exceeded 400 appearances. Intelligent, determined, and perpetually reliable, he operated at a superior level in midfield's heart—unrivaled in his position throughout PSG's history.
Your turn, João Neves.
2. Marquinhos
As a central defender, Marquinhos lacks Ronaldinho or Neymar's flair, Pauleta or Ibrahimović's scoring ability, or Hakimi's explosive pace—but what he possesses might surpass all those qualities in importance.
Captain Fantastic, Marquinhos embodies the leadership type every team desires: relentless in organizing the defensive line, unwavering in dedication to the mission (and the challenge), a persistent set-piece threat, and—most importantly—a model for teammates, substitutes, and emerging talents to emulate.
Currently holding a record 10 Ligue 1 titles, 24 additional major honors (including a long-awaited Champions League), Marquinhos stands as not only PSG's most successful player—he's also their most experienced, and undoubtedly, among the greatest to wear the uniform.
In words that perfectly encapsulate his club significance and irreplaceable leadership, Marquinhos reflected after finally claiming the Champions League trophy: "I began weeping before the match concluded. I considered all those years we have invested, I have invested here. I'm extremely happy, very fulfilled. I think about all the players, all the legends who preceded me and helped this club develop. We succeeded, and I'm also pleased for those great players who deserve it equally."
A legacy founded on loyalty, determination, and excellence—Marquinhos will eternally remain a cornerstone of PSG history.
1. Kylian Mbappé
What establishes Kylian Mbappé as PSG history's greatest player?
Is it his status as the club's all-time leading scorer, with 256 goals across just over 300 appearances? Perhaps. Is it the 15 major trophies he helped bring to the Parc des Princes? Certainly, that contributes. Or is it simply that he represents the most electrifying forward the club—possibly even French football—has ever witnessed? Absolutely.
A generational combination of speed, elegance, and lethal precision—few throughout the game's history have been as clinical, consistent, or genuinely frightening in the attacking third as Mbappé.
A complete PSG legend, his achievements in Paris will resonate for generations, even though the elusive Champions League title escaped his grasp. Regarding his legacy, it now continues at Real Madrid, where he's already breaking records, terrorizing defenders, and leaving commentators searching for adequate descriptions.
When he eventually retires, Mbappé may not only represent PSG's greatest-ever player—but France's, Real Madrid's, and possibly, the greatest pure striker the sport has ever produced.