Greatest PSG Players of all Time | Top 10 Legends
Paris Saint-Germain is now undoubtedly one of the true European powerhouses. Since their takeover by Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) in 2011, they have dominated French football and finally completed their ultimate dream by lifting the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2025. But even before this modern success, PSG had some truly iconic players who left a lasting mark on the club. From pre-QSI legends to modern-day superstars, this list celebrates the 10 greatest PSG players of all time.
Here are the top 10 greatest PSG players of all time.
10. Mustapha Dahleb
Before the arrival of modern stars, Mustapha Dahleb was the standout PSG icon. The Algerian attacking midfielder dazzled fans during his decade at the club between 1974 and 1984. He scored 98 goals in 309 appearances and held the record for most Ligue 1 goals for PSG for decades. Dahleb’s skill, vision, and creativity helped put PSG on the footballing map in their early years, winning two Coupe de France titles.
9. Angel Di Maria
One of the most elegant players ever to wear the PSG shirt, Di Maria arrived from Manchester United in 2015. Known for his incredible left foot and pinpoint crossing, the Argentine was crucial during the QSI era. He provided countless assists, scored in big games, and helped PSG win multiple domestic titles along with the long-awaited Champions League triumph in 2025. Di Maria’s ability to change a game with a moment of magic made him a fan favorite.
8. Thiago Silva
The Brazilian rock at the back, Thiago Silva was PSG’s defensive leader for eight years from 2012 to 2020. Silva’s leadership, reading of the game, and composure were key to the club’s domestic dominance. He won seven Ligue 1 titles and played a huge role in helping PSG establish themselves as a European force. Even after leaving the club, fans still regard him as one of their most loyal and respected captains.
7. Marco Verratti
Verratti’s arrival in 2012 from Italian side Pescara was relatively low-key, but he soon established himself as the heartbeat of PSG’s midfield. His technical ability, quick feet, and brilliant passing range made him irreplaceable. The Italian maestro won everything domestically and was a key figure during PSG’s climb to the European elite. His fierce competitiveness and loyalty over a decade made him a PSG legend.
6. Pauleta
During some of PSG’s darkest periods in the early 2000s, Pauleta was their shining light. The Portuguese striker arrived in 2003 and became a goalscoring machine, winning back-to-back Ligue 1 Golden Boot awards. His iconic eagle celebration and knack for scoring spectacular goals made him beloved by the Parc des Princes faithful. Pauleta carried PSG on his back during difficult times and left with 109 goals in 211 appearances.
5. Edinson Cavani
Cavani was the ultimate warrior for PSG. Arriving in 2013, the Uruguayan striker became the club’s all-time top scorer with 200 goals before Mbappe broke his record. Known for his tireless running, selfless play, and deadly finishing, Cavani won multiple Ligue 1 titles and cups. Fans loved his humble nature and relentless attitude, making him a true hero of the QSI era.
4. Kylian Mbappe
A generational talent, Kylian Mbappe arrived in 2017 and quickly became PSG’s poster boy. His blistering pace, goal-scoring instincts, and clutch performances in big games set him apart. Mbappe won multiple domestic titles, was Ligue 1’s top scorer several times, and was instrumental in PSG’s first-ever Champions League triumph in 2025. A local boy from the suburbs of Paris, Mbappe’s story made him even more adored by the fans. However, his departure to Madrid made things a bit sour between him and the club.
3. Safet Sušić
Long before the QSI riches, Safet Sušić was the star attraction at PSG. The Yugoslavian playmaker mesmerized fans from 1982 to 1991 with his vision and creativity. He racked up a club-record 95 assists and scored 96 goals during his nine-year stay. Sušić was named PSG’s greatest player by France Football in 2010, and even decades after retiring, he remains one of the most beloved figures in PSG history.
2. Zlatan Ibrahimović
Zlatan arrived in 2012 and completely transformed PSG’s image on the global stage. His charisma, leadership, and outrageous goals made headlines every week. In just four seasons, he scored 156 goals in 180 games, winning four consecutive Ligue 1 titles. Zlatan’s dominant personality and unmatched swagger turned PSG into a feared club in Europe, laying the foundations for their later success.
1. Marquinhos
The ultimate symbol of modern PSG, Marquinhos has been at the heart of the club since 2013. His versatility, professionalism, and leadership qualities have been vital during PSG’s most successful period. Marquinhos captained the side to their historic first Champions League title in 2025, adding to his collection of domestic trophies. His consistency, calmness under pressure, and big-game performances make him, for many fans, the greatest PSG player of all time.
Some iconic players narrowly missed out on this list, including global superstars like Ronaldinho, Jay-Jay Okocha, Neymar, Raí, and Bernard Lama. While they made significant contributions to PSG’s history, the final ranking focused on a combination of longevity, impact, leadership, and major honours with the club.