Matvey Safonov’s Ambition: Competing for PSG’s No. 1 Goalkeeper

This summer, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) welcomed Russian goalkeeper Matvey Safonov for a transfer fee of €20 million. Eager to challenge Gianluigi Donnarumma for the starting position, Safonov initially made bold statements about his ambitions at the club. However, after his second consecutive start against Reims on Saturday, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw, the 25-year-old has adopted a more measured approach regarding his place in the team.

Aiming for the top spot

Upon joining PSG from Krasnodar, Safonov was clear about his intentions: “Being the number two goalkeeper at PSG? I don’t understand that. No one has ever told me I’m number two. I came to Paris to compete. I want to play football. Even if they had labeled me as number two, I wouldn’t have listened. It’s up to me to give my best. I don’t see myself as a number two. I don’t want to be a backup player.” These statements reflected his desire to establish himself as a key player in the capital club.

Confidence in his abilities

Having made the switch for €20 million, the goalie expressed no fear of competing with Gianluigi Donnarumma, who has delivered impressive performances for PSG: “I was a substitute in the first match, then I became the number one goalkeeper. I have always been number one until now. I can’t be a substitute. All this is just prejudice. It doesn’t matter where I come from… I understand. I’m Russian, and no one knows me here in France. Perhaps they haven’t considered making me number one right away. But I believe in myself.”

Recognizing the current hierarchy

After his recent game against Reims, Safonov displayed a newfound caution regarding his role within the team: “I’m very happy to be at PSG, but I still need to work hard. Sometimes my team needs me, and I will be ready to do my job. I understand that Donnarumma is the number one here. But I am here to show the coach and the team what I can do. When my teammates need me, I will be there. I have a peaceful life in Paris. My house is close to the campus. I sometimes go into the city, but most of my time is spent at home. Otherwise, it’s training, training, and more training,” he shared in the mixed zone.