From Naples to Paris: Entre Deux Géants

2) Ezequiel Lavezzi

Career at Napoli

• Lavezzi signed for Napoli on 5 july 2007 after Napoli got promoted to Seria A after finishing as the runners-up in the Serie B the previous season. The transfer deal was worth around €6 million and he was given the number 7 shirt for his first season.

• Lavezzi won his first piece of silverware with Napoli on 20 May 2012 as the club defeated Juventus 2–0 in the Coppa Italia final. During the match, Lavezzi was fouled in the penalty box by Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari, and Napoli were awarded a penalty, which Edinson Cavani dispatched to give Napoli their first goal and set the club on their way to their first trophy in more than 20 years.

Career at PSG

• Lavezzi was known for his work rate, versatility, and his ability to contribute both in attack and defense. While not always the most prominent figure, he played a pivotal role in PSG's sustained success across all competitions, particularly in Ligue 1, where he helped the club secure multiple league titles. His chemistry with other star players, notably Zlatan Ibrahimović and Edinson Cavani, created a very potent attacking unit that was central to PSG’s success.

• During his time at PSG from 2012 to 2016, Ezequiel Lavezzi made 151 appearances in all competitions, scoring 35 goals and providing 23 assists.

• On 27 November 2019, Lavezzi scored his last goal for the club in a 3–1 loss against Guangzhou Evergrande. He announced his retirement shortly after the match.
  

Legacy

Lavezzi is remembered fondly by Napoli fans as a key figure in the club’s return to European competition after a long absence making him one of the most beloved foreign players in the club's history. While he helped PSG transition from a French domestic powerhouse to a legitimate European contender.