PSG Defenders 2024/25

PSG Defenders squad is undoubtedly the club’s fortress. With Paris Saint Germain having been such a dominant force in French football for the longest, the French soccer powerhouse is currently assembling a defensive squad brimming with talent and versatility. The 2024/25 season is no exception, especially within their defensive lineup. Here’s an overview of the defenders who fortify PSG’s backline this season, providing detailed insights into their backgrounds, career trajectories, and contributions to the team.

Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi, donning the number 2 jersey, continues to be an indispensable asset for PSG in the 2024/25 season. Born on November 4, 1998, in Madrid, Spain, Hakimi represents Morocco at the international level. His football journey commenced in Real Madrid‘s youth academy, where he showcased prodigious talent as a right-back. Seeking regular first-team action, he embarked on a two-season loan to Borussia Dortmund from 2018 to 2020, where his blistering pace and offensive prowess garnered widespread acclaim. In 2020, Hakimi transferred to Inter Milan for a reported fee of €40 million, playing a pivotal role in their Serie A triumph during the 2020/21 season. His exceptional performances caught PSG’s attention, leading to his acquisition in July 2021 for approximately €68 million. Since then, Hakimi has been a cornerstone in PSG Defenders lineup. He is renowned for his dynamic overlaps and defensive acumen.

Lucas Hernández

Lucas Hernández, wearing jersey number 21, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to PSG Defenders crew. Born on February 14, 1996, in Marseille, France, Hernández is adept at playing both as a center-back and left-back. His professional career began with Atlético Madrid, where he progressed through the youth ranks to make his senior debut in 2014. Over five seasons, he amassed over 100 appearances, contributing to the team’s defensive solidity. In 2019, Bayern Munich secured his services for a club-record fee of €80 million, reflecting his status as one of Europe’s premier defenders. During his tenure with Bayern, Hernández added multiple Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy to his accolades. In the summer of 2023, PSG signed him to bolster their defensive lineup, aiming to leverage his experience and leadership qualities.

Presnel Kimpembe

Presnel Kimpembe, PSG’s number 3, epitomizes loyalty and resilience. Born on August 13, 1995, in Beaumont-sur-Oise, France, Kimpembe has been with PSG since his youth, joining the club’s academy in 2005. He ascended to the senior team in 2014, steadily establishing himself as a reliable center-back. Known for his composure under pressure and tactical intelligence, Kimpembe has been instrumental in PSG’s domestic successes over the past decade. Despite facing injury setbacks, his commitment to the club remains unwavering, and he continues to be a defensive mainstay in the 2024/25 season.

Marquinhos

Marquinhos, the team’s captain and number 5, is the linchpin of PSG’s defense. Born Marcos Aoás Corrêa on May 14, 1994, in São Paulo, Brazil, he began his European career with AS Roma in 2012. After an impressive debut season in Serie A, PSG secured his transfer in 2013 for a fee of €31.4 million. Over the years, Marquinhos has evolved from a promising talent into one of the world’s elite defenders, known for his leadership, versatility, and tactical astuteness. Beyond his defensive duties, he has a knack for scoring crucial goals, often stepping up in pivotal moments. As of the 2024/25 season, Marquinhos continues to lead by example, anchoring PSG’s backline with distinction.

Willian Pacho

Willian Pacho, wearing jersey number 51, is one of the emerging talents in PSG’s defensive roster. Born on October 16, 2001, in Quinindé, Ecuador, Pacho began his professional journey with Independiente del Valle, a club renowned for nurturing young talent. His impressive performances in the Ecuadorian league caught the attention of European scouts, leading to his transfer to Belgian side Royal Antwerp in 2022. During his stint in Belgium, Pacho’s robust defending and aerial prowess stood out, prompting PSG to secure his services in 2024. While the exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, his acquisition underscores PSG’s commitment to infusing young talent into their squad. In the 2024/25 season, Pacho is poised to develop further under the mentorship of seasoned defenders like Marquinhos and Kimpembe.

Naoufel El Hannach

Naoufel El Hannach, bearing the number 45 jersey, is a promising young defender in PSG’s ranks. Born on December 7, 2006, in Casablanca, Morocco, El Hannach’s footballing journey began in his hometown before PSG scouts identified his potential. Joining the club’s youth academy in 2022, he quickly ascended through the ranks, showcasing maturity beyond his years. Primarily operating as a center-back, El Hannach is lauded for his composure, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game. While he is still in the nascent stages of his professional career, the 2024/25 season presents opportunities for him to gain invaluable experience, especially in domestic cup competitions and under the guidance of PSG’s seasoned defenders.

Yoram Zague

Yoram Zague, assigned jersey number 42, adds depth to PSG’s defensive lineup. Born on March 3, 2006, in Paris, France, Zague is a product of PSG’s esteemed youth academy. His versatility allows him to operate both as a right-back and center-back, offering tactical flexibility to the coaching staff. Throughout his development, Zague has been praised for his athleticism, precise tackling, and ability to contribute to offensive plays. The 2024/25 season marks a crucial period for Zague, as he seeks to break into the first team and gain valuable minutes in competitive fixtures. With PSG’s commitment to nurturing young talent, he could be one of the breakthrough stars of the campaign.

Milan Škriniar

Milan Škriniar, wearing the number 37 jersey, remains one of PSG’s most formidable defensive pillars. Born on February 11, 1995, in Žiar nad Hronom, Slovakia, he first gained prominence in the Slovakian league before making a significant move to Sampdoria in 2016. His standout performances in Serie A quickly earned him a transfer to Inter Milan in 2017 for a fee of approximately €34 million.

During his tenure at Inter, Škriniar developed into one of Europe’s most reliable center-backs, known for his physicality, tactical intelligence, and composure in high-pressure situations. He was a key figure in Inter’s 2020/21 Serie A-winning campaign under Antonio Conte. PSG secured his signature in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, reinforcing their defensive ranks with a player of immense experience and leadership. As the 2024/25 season unfolds, Škriniar continues to be a crucial part of PSG’s defensive setup, utilizing his aerial ability and strong positional sense to thwart opposition attacks.

Layvin Kurzawa

Layvin Kurzawa, who has been a PSG player since 2015, remains part of the club’s defensive depth for the 2024/25 season. Born on September 4, 1992, in Fréjus, France, he started his professional career at AS Monaco, where he developed a reputation as an adventurous left-back with an eye for goal. His performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League earned him a move to PSG for a fee of approximately €25 million.

Kurzawa’s tenure at PSG has been characterized by moments of brilliance interspersed with injuries and fluctuating form. Nevertheless, he remains an experienced squad member who can provide cover in defensive positions. Though he has found game time limited in recent seasons, his presence offers valuable depth, particularly in domestic competitions.

Nuno Mendes

Nuno Mendes, one of the most exciting full-backs in European football, continues to shine for PSG in the 2024/25 season. Born on June 19, 2002, in Sintra, Portugal, Mendes emerged from the Sporting CP academy, where he quickly became one of the most promising left-backs in world football. His performances in Portugal’s Primeira Liga caught PSG’s attention, leading to an initial loan move in 2021, which was later made permanent in 2022 for a fee of around €40 million.

Mendes is known for his electrifying pace, dribbling ability, and defensive discipline. He is a crucial asset in PSG’s attacking transitions, often driving forward to support the wingers while maintaining defensive solidity. Despite his young age, he has already amassed significant experience at both club and international levels, making him a key figure in the squad for years to come.

Beraldo

Lucas Beraldo, commonly referred to as Beraldo, is one of PSG’s latest defensive acquisitions, joining the club for the 2024/25 season. Born on November 24, 2003, in Piracicaba, Brazil, Beraldo came through the ranks at São Paulo, where he developed into one of Brazil’s most promising young center-backs. His impressive performances in the Brazilian Série A earned him a move to PSG in January 2024 for a fee reported to be around €20 million.

Beraldo’s playing style is characterized by his calmness in possession, precise tackling, and ability to anticipate opponents’ movements. Despite his youth, he has displayed remarkable maturity, and PSG sees him as a long-term investment for their defensive core. As he adapts to European football, he will have the opportunity to learn from experienced players like Marquinhos and Škriniar while competing for a regular starting role.

Danilo Pereira

Danilo Pereira, a versatile presence in PSG’s squad, has continued to play a hybrid role in the team’s defensive and midfield structure. Born on September 9, 1991, in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, he represents Portugal at the international level. His professional career began in Portugal with clubs like Marítimo and FC Porto, where he established himself as a dominant defensive midfielder. PSG secured his services on an initial loan in 2020 before making the move permanent for around €16 million.

Though traditionally a midfielder, Danilo has frequently been deployed as a center-back due to his physical presence, aerial ability, and tactical awareness. His adaptability makes him a valuable asset for PSG, offering depth and experience in multiple positions. As the 2024/25 season progresses, he remains a dependable squad member capable of stepping into various roles when needed.

Conclusion

PSG’s defensive roster for the 2024/25 season is a blend of experienced stalwarts, emerging young talents, and versatile players capable of adapting to different tactical demands. With seasoned campaigners like Marquinhos, Škriniar, and Kimpembe providing leadership, and rising stars like Beraldo and Pacho offering fresh energy, PSG boasts one of the most well-rounded defensive units in European football. As they aim for domestic and continental success, the strength and depth of their backline will be crucial in defining their season.