The PSG Academy Brazil is growing spectacularly!

the birth of the PSG Academy in brazil

In 2014, the PSG Academy began a historic chapter by launching the very first academy abroad. A true footballing country, Brazil was chosen as the first foreign partner.

As Nadia Benmokhtar, Director of the PSG Academy, explains: "Paris Saint-Germain has always had a special relationship with Brazil, with players like Raí and Ronaldinho who have worn the Red & Blue shirt. They inspire young Brazilians who want to learn football at our academies. This mark of confidence means that Paris Saint-Germain is the first European football academy in Brazil."

Impressive growth throughout the country

Since the first centre opened in Rio de Janeiro, the number of visitors has grown steadily, and centres have been set up in all the country's regions and major cities. Eight centres opened last season in Praia Brava (SC - Santa Catarina), Ilha do Governador (RJ - Rio de Janeiro), Alphaville (SP - São Paulo), Caxias do Sul (RS - Rio Grande do Sul), Grajaú (RJ - Rio de Janeiro), Intermares (PB - Paraíba), Florianópolis Campeche (SC - Santa Catarina) and Fortaleza Dunas (CE - Ceará).

While 9 years ago the Academy had just one centre in the capital, the network now covers almost the entire country with 45 centres and over 15,000 players - a number that has tripled in two years.

The Paris Saint-Germain Academy gives children throughout Brazil access to the PSG training methodology through a variety of programmes: year-round Academy, internships, and Elite programmes. A real pillar of the PSG Academy concept, the application of the training methodology is made possible by the hard work of the 450 coaches, who are chosen from among the best in the country, and by the Technical Department of the PSG Academy Brazil, which maintains regular contact with the club.

This long-term work has enabled the PSG Academy Brazil to gain the trust of the players and their families. This trust, built up over a number of years, has contributed to the strong national base that the Academy now has and is still encouraging its development today, as Olivier Bertuel, CEO of the PSG Academy Brazil, explains:

"Since our arrival in Brazil in 2014, the PSG family has continued to grow: today, more than 15,000 children and their families have placed their trust in our work. It is this trust that motivates us every day and guides every decision we make. Our commitment is to offer excellence and enjoyment in a football ecosystem that sometimes forgets these fundamental values. Together, we embark on this adventure with real passion and unwavering determination, while constantly seeking to raise standards and establish a lasting legacy in Brazilian football."

PSG Academy Cup Brazil

The development of the PSG Academy Brazil is also marked by the organisation of increasingly ambitious events. While the 'Copa Rio' brought together almost 540 players and over 1,000 spectators from 18 to 20 November, it is the PSG Academy Cup Brazil that best symbolises this growth.

Every year, the colours of Paris Saint-Germain are proudly displayed by young Brazilians at a tournament pitting the country's various centres against each other. With more than 2,500 participants expected for the next tournament in Porto Alegre, the PSG Academy Cup Brazil is the biggest event in the PSG Academy network. From the 12th to the 18th December, players from all over Brazil will be competing for the trophy for the fifth time. From Amazonas to Rio De Janeiro, from Rio Grande Do Sul to Sao Paulo, they will all be there to experience a unique moment and share their passion for football with the PSG Academy.

Today, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy Brazil continues to expand its ambitions and develop its programmes in a country where football has always held a special place. The club's reputation, the historic link between Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil, and the outstanding work of the technical staff are attracting more and more players and forging a lasting legacy in the land of football.