Goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, 24, who has been with Paris Saint-Germain since the summer of 2025, is struggling to secure his starting position. His performances, far below expectations, are even casting doubt on his participation in the 2026 World Cup with the French national team, as evidenced by comments from his coach, Didier Deschamps, to L’Equipe.
Deschamps: “Many were saying that Lucas Chevalier might take Mike Maignan’s place.”
“In October, many were saying that Lucas Chevalier might take Mike Maignan’s place. Things move quickly in football. A lot can happen between now and March.
What if Lucas doesn’t play?”
Don’t ask me, we’ll see in due time. I’ll let you lead the discussion. There will be in-depth reflection because it’s a unique position. Of course, playing time is important, there’s a number 1, 2, 3…
Jean Butez and Robin Risser?
I’m not going to say everyone has a chance. They’re good goalkeepers, we’re following them, it’s not because they haven’t been selected… Without going into detail because you’ll interpret it, but the goalkeeper position is very specific… experience and background are crucial. But if I tell you this, you’ll think, “Here we go again, he’s going to pick the guys who aren’t playing,” but it’s part of the discussion.
Deschamps: “If things are going in the right direction, all the better, for him and for us.” “
We still have time, we’ll have to see, but obviously Lucas’s situation isn’t ideal for him, for us… but well, he’s at his club, Luis Enrique makes the decisions, things can change. If things improve, all the better, for him and for us.
Chevalier’s performances have clearly been disappointing since joining the capital club. A star at LOSC, he hasn’t managed to establish himself in the Parisian team, and this inevitably impacts the choices of his national team coach, Didier Deschamps. It’s logical; it’s the competition at the highest level.
The World Cup is fast approaching, and choices will logically have to be made. Already left out of the squad for Le Classique in favor of Matvei Safonov (26 years old), Lucas Chevalier could clearly see the French national team jersey slipping away if his situation at the capital club doesn’t change.
As the national team coach pointed out, there’s still time, and things can change very quickly.” A resurgence at PSG could quickly open the door. But they need to create that situation. It won’t be easy. It’s up to Chevalier to react in the best possible way to give himself the best chance.
