Marquinhos, the humility of a captain at PSG

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·17 de setembro de 2025

Marquinhos, the humility of a captain at PSG

At 31 years old, Marquinhos, central defender and captain of Paris Saint-Germain, opened up to Le Parisien about his relationship with his status and competition. Far from considering himself a PSG legend, he insists on his humility and the importance of continuing to work hard to keep his place at a club of this level.

Marquinhos: “Me, I will never put myself forward”

“Aware of being a PSG legend? No, really not. Sometimes, people in my family have friends who say to them: do you realize who he is? Me, I will never put myself forward. Saying I am a legend, that’s not me.”

Marquinhos: “Competition gives you a boost”

Zabarnyi’s competition? 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. Even if he’s your competitor, you should never turn your back on him. If you do good for him, he’ll do good for you. I try to help him as much as I can.

Marquinhos: “With the form I have and considering my age, I can still bring a lot to this team”

Competition is increasingly tough in big clubs. But until the very last day, I will give more than 100% for Paris. With the form I have and considering my age, I can still bring a lot to this team. But a lot can happen, it depends on the president, the coach, and me as well. I have to perform to keep my place.”

With 493 matches played, Marquinhos (31 years old) is the most capped player in the history of Paris Saint-Germain. To this record number of appearances, he adds an impressive list of 31 trophies, including 10 Ligue 1 titles and the 2025 Champions League, making him the most decorated player in the club’s history. Yet, despite this extraordinary status, the captain refuses to see himself as a legend. True to his humility, he prefers to focus on his current role, that of a leader who must continue to perform to earn his place.

Vídeos OneFootball

The arrival of Ilya Zabarnyi (22 years old) is not seen as a threat, but as a source of motivation. Marquinhos sees this competition as a source of motivation and a way to pass on knowledge to the younger players. This contrast between a monumental track record and unwavering modesty illustrates the uniqueness of a captain who, more than a symbol, remains a living pillar of PSG. Everyone knows he’s a great player, he has given everything for the Parisian club. He has achieved what he wanted and yet, he wants to continue making history. This mentality is exactly what PSG needs.

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