Safonov Secures PSG Starting Spot, Leaving Chevalier in a Tough Position

Safonov takes the lead at PSG, leaving Chevalier in a tight spot

**Paris, April 2026** – A significant shift has occurred in the Paris Saint-Germain lineup as **Matvey Safonov**, the Russian international, has firmly established himself as the club’s primary goalkeeper. This development leaves Lucas Chevalier facing challenges in maintaining his position.

Safonov’s decisive moment

The rivalry between **Chevalier and Safonov** reached a crucial point during the latter half of the **2025-26 season**. PSG’s coach, **Luis Enrique**, made the pivotal decision to favor Safonov, especially during the critical stages of the **Champions League**. With the upcoming final against Arsenal on May 30th in Budapest, it seems likely that Safonov will continue as the top choice.

This decision hasn’t come as a shock to many pundits. Former PSG goalkeeper **Jérôme Alonzo** has openly supported Safonov’s rise. “He is crafting his narrative. Whether it’s a long-term story with PSG is uncertain, but he’s certainly won the battle with Chevalier fairly,” Alonzo shared on the show Téléfoot.

The consequences for Chevalier

The future appears challenging for **Lucas Chevalier** in Paris. Demoted to the role of the second-choice goalkeeper, his international career has also taken a hit. Once a promising candidate for France’s national team, Chevalier now finds himself as the third option and was ultimately excluded from **Didier Deschamps’ squad** for the **2026 World Cup**.