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·6 May 2026

PSG – Lucas on Marquinhos's ordeal and the nasty trick he played on him

Lucas Moura, the 33-year-old winger for São Paulo FC who played for Paris Saint-Germain from 2013 to 2018, spoke to L’Équipe in an interview published this Wednesday. The man who left his mark with his dribbling, his enthusiasm, and his very strong friendship with Marquinhos (the 31-year-old defender and captain) notably discussed the latter’s not-always-easy journey, as well as the jokes played in training. Not to mention his future.

Lucas: “He deserves what is happening to him, because he fought, he battled”

Did you think he would have such a career and stay at PSG for so long? When he arrived, he was weakened by an illness. He looked terrible (laughs). He was very young, and then the competition was fierce with Thiago Silva, Alex, and then David Luiz. It was hard to play. Marqui had to be patient, he had to work hard. I remember a period when he was really down because of the situation. I spent time trying to lift his spirits and encourage him. He was resilient, and I’m so happy that he was able to show he is one of the best defenders in the world. He deserves what is happening to him, because he fought, he battled, he never gave up. He is an example for young players. Marqui, you’re a champion, my brother!

Lucas: “The guys were looking at him and yelling at him.”

Thiago Silva told us in “France Football” that you liked teasing him in training… At first, since he didn’t speak French, I would translate complete nonsense for him during drills. For example, Laurent Blanc would ask for an exercise with a maximum of two touches of the ball. And I would tell him: “Marqui, you have to play only with your left foot”; or “Marqui, you have to shoot as soon as you can.” The guys would look at him and yell at him: “What are you doing?” I was dying of laughter. Maybe that’s why it took him a while to become a starter and why he learned French so quickly (he bursts out laughing). Today, he could be a teacher with how well he speaks. He’s a very intelligent guy.

Lucas: “I can see him staying a few more years in Paris and breaking records.”

How do you see his future, given that he is under contract until June 2028? Even if he is from Corinthians, he could end up with me at São Paulo FC (laughs). More seriously, he is only 31, and in my opinion he still has a lot to give. He is physically at the top. I can see him staying a few more years in Paris and breaking records. It will depend on his mindset and his desire to play again in Brazil, but physically he can absolutely take inspiration from Thiago Silva and play until he is 40. He is physically gifted. He is lucky.

While people are now used to seeing Marquinhos as PSG captain, with many titles won including the famous Champions League last season, we should not forget that nothing came easily for the Brazilian. He arrived at just 19 years old facing huge competition and while dealing with an illness that slowed him down. It must have been hard at times, with doubts about his place at the highest level in Europe (where he had played for AS Roma for one season).

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Fortunately, even though he was often criticized by observers for his mental toughness, the defender showed that he does have character and the determination to establish himself. All while relying on the support of those close to him, including Lucas. Lucas himself did not experience only easy moments either, but he always had a valuable enthusiasm. Marquinhos was able to draw from that in his battle for playing time.

He also had to deal with his jokes, amusing but also potentially difficult given how high the demands were. Even if it was also up to the staff and teammates to understand the situation. But this may well be part of the explanation for how quickly Marquinhos learned French. Along with his professionalism and intelligence. There can be no doubt about his commitment to the club and within the team. Hence his role as captain.

We cannot know exactly how much longer he will keep it, nor how many more seasons he will play at PSG. Some see him leaving soon, downplaying his level and his role in the group. Or exaggerating the weight of the years, even though many great players have already proved that you can still perform after the age of 32, which he will turn on May 14. Especially with coach Luis Enrique’s management, allowing everyone to play and keeping his key players at their best for the big nights.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.