The 5 greatest midfielders of Paris Saint-Germain's QSI era

Since 2011 and QSI's takeover, Paris Saint-Germain have boasted some of the finest midfield talents in European football. From deep-lying playmaker to box-to-box engines and flair-filled creators, these players have shaped the identity of the modern PSG.

Here is a look at the very best midfielders to wear Paris Saint-Germain's jersey since QSI's takeover.

Top 5 best Paris Saint-Germain left-backs under QSI

5. Javier Pastore

Javier Pastore or "El Flaco" joined the club in 2011 and instantly became a fan favourite at the club. His grace on the pitch combined with his talent were undoubtedly the reasons. Throughout his time at the club, he provided to fans and observers alike many incredible moments that will be etched in their memories. Unfortunately, his impact at the club was largely diminished due to numerous injuries that left him on the flank when Paris sometimes needed him the most.

Nonetheless, the Argentine international played 269 competitive games with the club across seven seasons and will be remembered as one of the most emblematic players in the history of the club.

4. Thiago Motta

Joining the club in 2012 from Inter Milan, Thiago Motta brought all of his class and experience to the club as they were still growing following QSI's takeover. He became a leader off the pitch but also a key player on the pitch. His mission wa to bring balance to his team on both sides of the ball.

In 2018, after six seasons at the club, he retired winning 19 trophies for the club and making over 232 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain as he became one of the most iconic players in the history of the club.

3. Blaise Matuidi

Blaise Matuidi is undoubtedly the most underrated player of this list. The French international joined the club from Saint-Etienne in 2011 and was rapidly became an important player of the club. Even though he was often underestimated by some observers, he always managed to be impactful for PSG in his box-to-box role. His incredible activity and workrate were often the deciding factors of many of Paris' games.

Moreover, he scored many incredible goals, including his wonderful long range finesse shot against Marseille in Le Classique in 2015. The World Cup winner made 295 appearances for PSG across six seasons and lifted 15 trophies in this span.

2. Marco Verratti

Marco Verratti is nothing short of a legend of the club. The Italian international signed for PSG in 2012 and made an instant impact, bringing all his playmaking abilities to the Parc des Princes. He quickly became an important player of the club until his departure of the club in 2023 after 11 seasons in the French capital.

Throughout his tenure at the club, Verratti lifted 29 trophies with PSG, including eight Ligue 1, six Coupe de France, six Coupe de la Ligue and nine Trophée des Champions leaving the club as the most decorated player in its history before being surpassed by Marquinhos in 2024-2025. Overall, he made 416 appearances for the club, which is the second-most in club history.

1. Vitinha

SSince joining the club back in 2022, Vitinha became one of the best midfield player in Europe. He never stopped progressing season after season becoming an important player of the squad following Marco Verratti's departure of the club in 2023 whith whom he shares a lot of similarities on the pitch. The former FC Porto player is not only a master at dictating the tempo of the game, he is also able to create opportunities for his teammates or for himself while being lethal in front of goal. Which is something missing in Verratti's arsenal.

Under Luis Enrique, he became the pivotal piece of their historical success playing a major role in their treble winning campaign in 2024-2025, making him the greatest midfielder in the history of the club.