At 31, Marquinhos, the center-back and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, spoke to Le Parisien about his perspective on his status and the competition within the team. Far from considering himself a PSG legend, he emphasizes his humility and the importance of continuing to work hard to maintain his place in a club of this level.
Marquinhos: “I will never put myself forward”
“Do I consider myself a PSG legend?
No, not at all. Sometimes, my family members have friends who tell them: ‘Do you realize who he is?’ I will never put myself forward. Saying ‘I am a legend’ is not me.”
Marquinhos: “Competition gives you a boost”
“Zabarnyi’s competition?
I’m not afraid at all. Competition gives you a boost. It’s very important to motivate you to work harder, especially against young players who are hungry for success. Even if they are your competitor, you should never turn your back on them. If you help them, they will help you. I try to help him as much as I can.”
Marquinhos: “With my current form and my age, I can still contribute a lot to this team”
“Competition is becoming increasingly difficult in big clubs. But until my last day, I will give more than 100% for Paris. With my current form and my age, I can still contribute a lot to this team. But many things can happen; it depends on the president, the coach, and also on me. I have to perform well to keep my place.”
With 493 matches played, Marquinhos (31) is the most capped player in Paris Saint-Germain’s history. In addition to this record number of appearances, he has an impressive record of 31 trophies, including 10 Ligue 1 titles and the 2025 Champions League title, making him the most decorated player in the club’s history. Yet, despite his exceptional status, the captain refuses to consider himself a legend. True to his humble nature, he prefers to focus on his current role: that of a leader who must continue to perform at a high level to maintain his place in the team.
The arrival of Ilya Zabarnyi (22) is not seen as a threat, but rather as a positive stimulus. Marquinhos sees this competition as a source of motivation and an opportunity to mentor the younger players. This contrast between his monumental achievements and his unwavering modesty illustrates the unique character of a captain who, more than just a symbol, remains a vital pillar of PSG. We know he is a great player, and he has given everything for the Parisian club. He has achieved everything he wanted, and yet, he still wants to continue making history. This mindset is precisely what PSG needs.
