Signed from Krasnodar in 2024, 27-year-old goalkeeper Matveï Safonov has become Paris Saint-Germain’s number one. Nominated for the Yashin Trophy—awarded to the best goalkeeper—he spoke to Vpiska about the nomination and his ambitions.
Safonov: “I don’t consider myself the best.”
“It wasn’t a secret to me that I’d been nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. I don’t have a ‘dream,’ because a dream is something unattainable.
Last season, my goal was to break into the top five goalkeepers in the world. That was my ultimate aim; I wasn’t thinking about anything else. If I manage it this year, I’ll have achieved last year’s goal. But I don’t consider myself the best.”
While he may not view himself as the world’s best goalkeeper, he is undeniably the starter for the best team in the world—a two-time European champion. That speaks volumes about his talent. Notably, Safonov was the number one throughout last year’s European campaign. He distinguished himself on several occasions—whether during penalty shootouts or in open play—and played a major role in that second triumph.
Safonov certainly belongs in the global top five today. He has a strong case for the top three, or even the number one spot. It is worth remembering that the Russian goalkeeper is only 27; in a position where experience is paramount, he still has significant room for improvement—just as he possesses immense talent.
