Marquinhos Reflects on PSG’s Journey to Champions League Final

Paris, May 2026: Marquinhos Reflects on PSG’s Journey to Champions League Final

Marquinhos, the steadfast captain of Paris Saint-Germain, stands as a symbol of the club’s enduring spirit as they prepare for another Champions League final. At 31, the Brazilian defender reflects on his 13-year journey with PSG, emphasizing the significance of their consistent performance at the sport’s pinnacle.

The path of many disappointments

Having experienced numerous European letdowns before last season’s triumph, Marquinhos contrasts his seasoned perspective with that of PSG’s younger players. For him, the upcoming final in Budapest against Arsenal on May 30 is the culmination of years of dedication against world-class opponents.

The central defender highlights the importance of resilience and perseverance, stating that reaching a final is a remarkable achievement that requires time to fully appreciate. He recalls the heartbreak of the 2020 defeat to Bayern, which makes the recent successes even more rewarding.

A long and arduous journey

Understanding the magnitude

“Do I realize? Yes, I do realize what we are achieving,” Marquinhos acknowledges. He notes that while the younger players have only known success in recent years, those like him who have been with the team longer understand the difficulty of the journey. With five semifinals and now three finals in 13 years, Marquinhos appreciates the challenges they’ve overcome against top-tier teams.