Paris Saint-Germain defeated Tottenham 5-3 this Wednesday at the Parc des Princes in Matchday 5 of the 2025-2026 Champions League. After this victory, PSG defender and captain Marquinhos spoke in the mixed zone.
Marquinhos: “I’ve seen him arrive and grow within this team.”
Vitinha?
He’s always coming on, in every match, that’s how important he is. I’ve seen him arrive and grow within this team. He’s the playmaker, he sets the tempo, he decides where he goes. He’s always ready, sometimes we even tell him to rest (laughs). He’s always making the most of it. Even in training, the coach sometimes has to tell him to rest. I’m very happy he’s with us, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world today.
Marquinhos: “It’s 500, but not the last.”
You’ve experienced a whirlwind of emotions, both positive and negative, during your 500th match at PSG. What stands out for you?
It was an incredibly emotional evening; it’s been a long journey. I arrived very young, and I wanted to make the most of the moment alongside such great players. That’s why I came to PSG. It’s a source of pride to have overcome all these obstacles and come this far, to wear this jersey with such pride and motivation. It’s incredibly emotional. I thank everyone.
It’s part of a career to have good times and difficult times. With my family and the people around me, I was able to overcome those times. 500 matches means a lot of travel, a lot of motivation, and some tough moments; it’s not easy to get this far. I still have so much to give to this club. It’s 500, but it’s not the last. As long as I have the hunger, I’ll continue to give everything to celebrate so many more milestones.”
Marquinhos: “The hunger to keep going and keep striving for results like today.”
What still motivates you after so many matches?
I’m a competitor. I play football out of passion. I come from a country that’s passionate about football. Our first gift is a ball (smiles). That’s how the journey in football begins. It’s also my job today, but first and foremost, it’s my passion. That’s what motivates me.
I still want to win, I want to make even more history with the club. I have a coach who motivates me, who pushes me out of my comfort zone every day in training. Just like the whole team. That’s also what gives me the energy and the hunger to keep going and keep striving for results like today. I have to keep pursuing my goals.
Marquinhos: “It’s a love story.”
A word for the fans?
Always! Thank you, first of all. They, like me, have also experienced difficult times. But they’re still here, it’s incredible. PSG has the best fans in the world, it’s truly a pleasure to have them. You see their passion every day, away from home too. I’ve played 500 matches, but some have played many more than me (smiles).
They deserve to be congratulated and thanked. Marquinhos, the fans, Paris, it’s a love story. There have been difficult times, but we’re still together.
Marquinhos: “I wish him all the best for the future.”
Kolo Muani’s performance?
We know him well; I played against him when he was at Nantes. I also know the quality he has in training. He’s physically very difficult to defend against. He’s always there in one-on-one situations. Today, he had a good game. He did what he could on the pitch. I’m happy, really. When players go through tough times at a club and rediscover their enjoyment when they go elsewhere, they find their way back.
That’s how it is in football. Sometimes things don’t work out at a club, and you have to keep searching for your joy and motivation. I’m happy he’s here, that he’s playing, that he’s enjoying himself. He’s a really great guy; we had some good times in the locker room, and I wish him all the best for the future.
Marquinhos: “Regardless of the score, our attitude is always there.” “How can we explain PSG’s ability to remain calm after twice falling behind and ultimately secure the victory?
I think it wasn’t a perfect night, because we conceded a lot of goals. As a defender, I don’t like that. But we have this philosophy, the coach is here and has this idea: we always play the same way regardless of the score. We’re never there to waste time. No matter the score, our attitude is always there. That’s what the coach wants.”
