Lucas Chevalier, the 23-year-old goalkeeper for the French national team, joined Paris Saint-Germain last Saturday from Lille. It’s a significant transfer, as he is replacing Gianluigi Donnarumma (26), who recently won the Champions League (among other titles). The challenge is great, in a club that is highly exposed to the media. His father, Freddy Chevalier, told Le Parisien why the goalkeeper chose this step in his career and how he is approaching it.
“He’s just eager to prove his worth on the field.”
“Everything has happened a bit quickly over the past five days, so Lucas hasn’t had much time to reflect on the whole period. But one thing is certain: he is very happy and honored to be in Paris, the place where he feels most at home. Now he’s eager to get started, to be in goal, so he can put all the hype behind him. He’s just eager to prove his worth on the field.
“In the end, he chose the most difficult challenge he was offered.”
He could have chosen a less exposed environment, but he likes a challenge. Lucas is fearless and has always been that way, as he was a kid who was launched into National 2 at the age of 16. One might say that succeeding Donnarumma is a risky bet, but this choice fits his mentality.
When we talked about his future, he told me: “In Lille, I did everything I had to do. I want to take a step forward, leave my comfort zone and a certain level of comfort.” In the end, he chose the most difficult challenge that was offered to him.
“It touched him, as much as Luis Enrique’s speech.”
Lucas is a bit of a patriot; he loves France. So having the biggest club in the country want him and show such strong interest touched him, as much as Luis Enrique’s speech, which he identified with, especially after seeing his documentary. The most important thing is that he feels good about himself, and I really feel that he does. He has to ignore the pressure and not listen to what people are saying. Now we’re just eager for his adventure to begin.”
Chevalier has had a great run in Lille, which helped him win the Ligue 1 Best Goalkeeper award last season and put him in the running for the 2025 Yachine Trophy. He has every reason to be confident and undoubtedly grateful to Lille. But it’s also logical to want something else. With all due respect to LOSC, a very good club, PSG is now in a different league.
There is the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the best in their positions, as well as the hope of winning titles. Including the Champions League, even if the task will obviously be difficult. And this transfer, surrounded by the tension surrounding Gianluigi Donnarumma, may bring some pressure. This is in a context where the media and some fans are not known for their perspective. It’s a risk the goalkeeper is taking.
According to his father, there are no particular fears. Rather, it’s a mindset to move forward, to conquer. This is essential at the highest level. It’s no guarantee of success, but it’s fundamental. Chevalier seems to have the right mindset and, of course, the sporting qualities to succeed. This would bring him closer to a number one role in the French national team. By the 2026 World Cup? It will be difficult, but we wish him well.
