Seeing Matvey Safonov start a Champions League final with PSG was almost unthinkable a year ago. Recruited in the summer of 2024 from Krasnodar for around 20 million euros, the Russian goalkeeper arrived in the capital with a clear status: that of understudy behind Gianluigi Donnarumma, then indisputable in the Parisian cages. During his first season, he only played 17 matches in all competitions, but already refused to consider himself as a simple substitute. He also displayed unfailing determination: “to be the number 2 goalkeeper of PSG? I don’t understand that. No one ever told me I was number 2. I come to Paris to fight. I want to play football. Even if they had told me I was number 2, I wouldn’t have listened to them. It’s up to me to give the best of myself. I don’t see myself as a number 2. I don’t want to be a replacement player. » A strong statement which already perfectly summed up his state of mind.
Last summer, however, everything changed in the Parisian hierarchy. Despite PSG’s first European title with Donnarumma as starter, Luis Enrique decides to open a new cycle in goal. The club invested nearly 50 million euros, including bonuses, to recruit Lucas Chevalier from LOSC with the idea of making him its new number one. But between irregular performances and several physical problems, the French international is struggling to completely establish himself. Safonov seized his chance. Match after match, the Russian gains credibility until he gradually reverses the trend. At the end of the season, the figures perfectly illustrate this fierce competition: 27 matches played for Safonov against 26 for Chevalier. An almost perfect alternation which nevertheless ends up turning to the advantage of the Russian goalkeeper, gradually becoming Luis Enrique’s first choice in major meetings.
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A big turning point in favor of Matvey Safonov
The real turning point came last December during the Intercontinental Cup. In Doha, against Flamengo, Safonov started to everyone’s surprise despite the return of Lucas Chevalier. That evening, he changes dimension. Author of several decisive saves then heroic during the penalty shootout won by PSG (1-1, 2-1 tab), he offered a major trophy to the Parisian club and made a lasting impression. From that moment on, his status evolved. The Russian is no longer just the man who takes advantage of his competitor’s difficulties, but a goalkeeper capable of helping his team win in the most important moments.
This rise in power was confirmed in particular during the trip to Lens, where its multiple parades allowed PSG to achieve a major success and move closer to the title of Champion of France. After the meeting, he fully assumes his role: “the opponent created a lot of chances. I had work today. It’s not every match like that. It’s the fruit of my work, our mentality, because I didn’t stop working. I’ve been here two years and I don’t think I’ve had a day without working. The performances of our team this season are also the result of my work. »
Until starting in the Champions League final
This Saturday evening in Budapest, Safonov finally reached the summit. Starting in the final won against Arsenal (1-1, 4-3 tab), the Russian goalkeeper participated in a new historic feat for PSG, becoming the first French team to retain their Champions League. A huge accomplishment for a player who never stopped believing in his chances. His career commands respect as he was built in the shadows before exploding to the highest level with PSG. From now on, it remains to be seen whether Luis Enrique will still trust him next season…
