Marquinhos

Marquinhos is a Brazilian centre-back whose defending relies on recognising danger early. He checks where attackers are moving, adjusts his body before the ball arrives and can slow an opponent down while teammates recover. Those small decisions help explain his value beyond tackles and clearances.

Born in São Paulo on 14 May 1994, he came through Corinthians before moving to Roma in 2012. Paris Saint-Germain signed him in summer 2013 after one season in Italy, and he developed a central-defensive partnership with fellow Brazilian Thiago Silva.

His role expanded under Thomas Tuchel, who also used him in midfield. He contributed at the other end of the pitch during the 2020 Champions League run: his 90th-minute equaliser against Atalanta began the late turnaround that took Paris into the semi-finals.

He succeeded Thiago Silva as captain in summer 2020. In April 2024, his 436th appearance for Paris took him past Jean-Marc Pilorget's club record.

On 31 May 2025, he captained Paris to their first Champions League title with a 5–0 final win over Inter. He also started the 2026 final against Arsenal, when Paris retained the trophy on penalties after a 1–1 draw. His block on Kai Havertz had helped prevent Arsenal extending their early lead.

With Brazil, he won Olympic gold at Rio 2016 and the 2019 Copa América. His third World Cup, in 2026, ended in the last 16, when he captained the side in a 2–1 defeat by Norway.

UEFA's analysis of Paris at Liverpool in March 2025 captured the detail of his defensive craft. Before meeting a cross, he kept checking Diogo Jota's position, set his feet and headed to a teammate. In another sequence, he and Willian Pacho took turns delaying Mohamed Salah on the counterattack, buying time for the rest of the defence to get back. Awareness became a practical means of protecting the penalty area.

Latest stats & form

Marquinhos currently plays for Paris Saint Germain as a centre-back. He has represented Brazil internationally.

Statistics cover recorded official matches.