Lucas Chevalier, a 23-year-old goalkeeper and newcomer to Paris, arrives in the city to take his career to the next level after three seasons in Lille, where he showed steady progress. Here is an overview of the player, his history, some statistics, and his potential for the Parisian club.
Career & History
Profile
Name: Lucas Chevalier
Nationality: French
Age: 23 (born November 6, 2001)
Position: Goalkeeper
Previous club: LOSC Lille
Training and early career
Training clubs: Dunkerque, then LOSC Lille (renowned training center)
First professional steps: Joined the LOSC professional team in 2020-2021, then played a decisive role on loan at Valenciennes (Ligue 2) in 2021-2022.
Career
Lille: Progressed from substitute to starting goalkeeper in the 2022–2023 season.
Valenciennes (loan, 2021-2022): Starter, notable season (30 games).
Return to Lille: Established as number one, growing appeal on the transfer market.
2025: Arrival at PSG on 09/08/2025
National selections
France U16-U21: Regular starter for the youth teams, played in the Euro U21 tournament.
France senior team: Member of the extended squad, officially selected for the senior team, cited as a potential successor in the medium term.
Analysis
Recent statistics
Average ratings: (Sofascore: 7.11)
48 games and 4,350 minutes: Undisputed starter at Lille, one of the most used players in the squad.
Clean sheets: 13
Goals conceded: 53
Key qualities
Reflexes on his line: Particularly on short-range shots (high save percentage, decisive saves).
Reading of the game: Good anticipation on aerial balls (21 saves outside the box, top 5 in Ligue 1 for a goalkeeper).
Footwork: Accurate (83% pass completion rate), ability to play long balls.
Composure under pressure: Few technical errors, mentally strong in big games.
Leadership: Leads his defense, recognized for his leadership qualities despite his young age.
Areas for improvement
Risky passes: Sometimes struggles against high pressing from opponents, resulting in a few dangerous losses (4 errors leading to shots).
Aerial play could be improved: Although very present, he lacks physical dominance on certain contested crosses.
Experience at the highest level: Not yet accustomed to regular European competition (no Champions League appearances to date).
Discipline: 1 sending-off this season for a late tackle outside the box.
Potential
Summary
Indispensable in Lille: Undisputed starter, directly responsible for the team’s strong defensive record.
Tactical importance: Uses his feet to launch quick counterattacks, facilitates a high defensive block strategy with his runs off his line.
Potential for development
Ready for the next level: Able to adapt thanks to his situational intelligence.
Challenges ahead: Establishing himself in a star-studded dressing room (PSG), withstanding the pressure of big European games.
Outlook: A “modern” goalkeeper who could join the French national team rotation as early as 2025-2026.
Comparisons with Donnarumma
There are few references for Safonov, Tenas, and Marin to venture a comparison. The three players have either played little or have not yet been analyzed in depth in terms of their performances (Renato Marin).
Conclusion
Lucas Chevalier ticks all the boxes for a modern goalkeeper: technical, calm, good at restarting play, charismatic, and strong in one-on-one situations. He is improving every season and seems ready for a top European club. A starting role with PSG in the short term is a possibility, as is a new level with the senior national team.
The challenges remain stabilizing in the Champions League and proving himself over time, but he has significant room for improvement. Barring injury or a sudden setback, he embodies the potential of the No. 1 French goalkeeper of his generation.
