PSG Keeper Matvey Safonov etched his name into club history with a remarkable performance in the Intercontinental Cup tie against Flamengo on Wednesday. The Russian goalkeeper, playing only the fourth match of his PSG career, emerged as the decisive figure as the French champions clinched their first global title via a dramatic penalty shootout.
Safonov had not featured regularly since Lucas Chevalier suffered an ankle injury on November 29. Yet, when called upon, the 26-year-old produced a stunning display, saving four consecutive penalties as PSG edged the shootout 2-1 against the Brazilian side.
Broken Hand Revealed After Historic Victory
PSG Keeper celebrations took a shocking turn moments after the final save. As teammates lifted Safonov into the air near the goalpost, he was seen protecting his left arm. It later emerged that he had completed the shootout with a broken hand.
PSG coach Luis Enrique confirmed the injury, expressing disbelief at the goalkeeper’s resilience. “It’s unbelievable. We think it happened around the third penalty. He saved the final two shots with a broken arm, driven purely by adrenaline,” Enrique said.
The coach also praised the squad’s fighting spirit, adding,
“𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒘𝒏 𝒃𝒚 𝑺𝒂𝒇𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒗 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒆𝒙𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒍𝒚 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒖𝒃.”
Safonov Sends Message of Strength
PSG Keeper Safonov later shared a short video on Telegram, avoiding details of the injury but underlining his mindset. “No matter what happens, I don’t break down,” he said, echoing the determination shown on the pitch.
The club has announced that Safonov’s condition will be reassessed in three to four weeks. His absence could pose a challenge, with PSG set to face fifth-tier side Vendee Fontenay in the French Cup on Saturday, as the Paris club reassesses its goalkeeping options.
