10 years of QSI: the players that made their mark

Of course, it’s difficult to condense ten years of Paris Saint-Germain history into just a few lines, and speak about everyone who shone for the club, those who got our supporters out of their seats and played with character and emotion on the big nights.
Over 70 signings, from more than twenty countries all over the world lit up the city of Paris, impressed in the biggest competitions and brought such joy to the fans at the Parc. 
Whether it was their first club or at the end of their careers, whether they revolutionised the Rouge et Bleu style of play or if they came up from the academy or one of the biggest academies in the world: they all had an impact on Paris Saint-Germain’s history.

If you think of the most important figures, it’s hard not to talk about Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Having signed in 2012, the man from Malmö left his mark on the French championship, winning 11 trophies, three times Ligue 1 Player of the Year, an incredible 156 goals and even a word in the French dictionary. Powerful, irrepressible, Ibra took his 1.94m frame to new heights, becoming the club's all-time top scorer in a single season with 50 goals in 2015-16. A successful signing that highlighted the club's renewed ambition in the footballing world.

But before him, there were already a lot of signings. Lower profile signings that were to prove just as important. When QSI arrived in the summer of 2011, no less than nine new players joined the club from the capital. The likes of Blaise Matuidi and Javier Pastore. The first one is French and came from Saint-Etienne showing the full extent of Ligue 1’s talent pool.  Three lungs, a desire like no other and a love for the shirt that made him a fan favourite for six seasons. The second one was an Argentine who had signed from Palermo. Pastore possessed magic in his boots, produced breath-taking passes and conquered the capital, leaving some unforgettable moments during his time, such as his goal against Chelsea in 2014.

The following winter saw more big names settle in Paris, giving the club another boost, such as Thiago Motta and Maxwell. The Italian was unique in the middle of the Parc and gave the club a footballing IQ like few others. The Brazilian arrived from FC Barcelona, and remains to this day one of the most talented, humble and model professional full backs that the club has ever known.

In the 2012-2013 window, alongside the Swedish giant, a number of big characters also arrived to put their shine on the club. From Lucas Moura to Ezequiel Lavezzi, that season also marked the end of David Beckham ‘s illustrious career and also the signing of one of the best defenders of the QSI era: Thiago Silva. An incredible captain who proudly wore the armband for eight seasons and gave the centre of defense a formidable solidity during his time at the club. 'O Monstro' denied opposition attacks and brought all of the crowd’s passion with him onto the pitch.

It’s impossible to not mention Marco Verratti, a diamond found in his home town of Pescara, that quickly became a fan favourite and one of the most talented players in the world.  And in addition to his talent and audacity, the Italy international also became one of the most capped players in Paris Saint-Germain history, and the man with the most appearances in European competition. 

The years that followed saw other talents emerge. Marquinhos, who took over from Silva, is the prime example, becoming a world class player in his position with Paris.  An adopted child of the French capital, whose fans were always there to cheer him on.  And then how to describe Edinson Cavani in just a few lines? El Matador, the club's all-time top scorer, put his stamp on the club with his unmatched grinta, his relationship with the fans and his goals.  We also remember the exciting arrivals of both Gigi Buffon and Dani Alves making history everywhere there went. 

And then this decade leads us to the current team, where experience meets youth and talent meets audacity. It’s tough to not mention Presnel Kimpembe, an ambassador for the academy, a titi with such a strong love for the club. Or Angel Di Maria, a master of the art of the assist, becoming the top goal provider in the club’s history in 2021.

At the other end of the pitch there were fireworks too. An impressive CV, and solid hands: Keylor Navas ticked all the boxes. Magnificent between the sticks and powerful in the air and on the ground, the San Isidro native gives an added sense of security in the big games.

Of all the players who’ve entered the Parisian dressing room, some of them have taken things to another level. The joga bonito of Neymar Jr lit up the place like no other. The No.10, with finesse and a deadly drop of the shoulder, never stops impressing fans with his incredible dribbling. Alongside him, the boy from Bondy, Kylian Mbappé, hasn’t stopped improving to the point of becoming a player that has reached the very top, is closing in on all the records and has answered all the critics with his performances.  

Players from a different dimension, an advertisement for a decade of talent, ambition and the love of the football.