2025 was an exceptional year for Paris Saint-Germain, notably winning the Champions League last May. Marquinhos, the 31-year-old defender and captain, who has been with the club since 2013, has experienced everything in Parisian colors. Speaking to RTL, he reflected on the 5-0 victory in the final against Inter Milan, a win that cemented PSG’s place in history, as well as the challenges ahead, the contribution of coach Luis Enrique, and the rise of Ousmane Dembélé (the 28-year-old forward).
Marquinhos: “It’s very hard to win, but continuing to win is even harder.”
We’ve talked about the success in January 2025. Ousmane Dembélé embodies this transformation. Were you surprised by his performances, culminating in winning the Ballon d’Or?
“We knew he was a very talented player.” But it’s true that from January until the final, he had an incredible run. It’s very important to have a player of that caliber on a team.
You’ve been with the club since 2013, what is your role in the club today? Do you have a role in passing on the torch?
“Always. I’ve never been told to do it, but I think that, just as they did for me, I also have to pass on these things, these club values, to the new or young players. Having this role is important for a captain.”
What has this year changed for PSG in the eyes of other clubs?
“I think there’s more respect for being champions, yes. But everything moves very quickly in football. We have to maintain our high standards, even though we’ve been champions, we’re now in a new year. Every team wants to beat us. It’s very hard to win, but continuing to win is even harder. We want to make history again.”
Marquinhos: “He also knew how to prepare us for everything that could happen in a match.”
What did Luis Enrique bring to the team to lead you to success?
“He knew how to work on all aspects of the game. It’s not just about the midfield, it’s not just about the ball. Top-level football is also about mental strength, recovery, and high standards. He knew how to work on all of those aspects. He also knew how to prepare us for everything that could happen in a match, with or without the ball.”
Do you plan to apply for French citizenship?
“My wife and I are working towards that. To symbolize everything that Paris and France have given me.”
Marquinhos: “We prepared very well for this final, and the match went our way.”
Were you afraid you would never win the Champions League?
“Yes, that’s why I appreciate it even more.” The road was very long and difficult, but during that time we saw the mistakes and the things that needed changing. It was a goal, not an obsession. The club worked towards it without putting any additional pressure on the players.
What are your feelings during this final?
“Our entire journey has shown us that we need to maintain our focus until the very end. I can hear our fans shouting ‘We’re champions!’ and it was hard to control my emotions at that moment. We prepared very well for this final, and the match went our way. We executed the coach’s plan, and everything worked perfectly.”
