What does this contract extension until 2031 mean to you?
“It means a lot, not only to me, but also to my whole family. And I think, above all, we must thank President Nasser Al-Khelaïfi, Luis Campos and Luis Enrique, all my team-mates and the whole club, because without them, I don’t think I would have been able to get this far. So it’s a huge joy for me to be able to stay here, in my second home, which I’m already very used to, as is my family. I can only thank the whole club and everyone here.”
When you arrived from São Paulo in 2024, what made the biggest impression on you?
“Everything was very new; things were completely different. Paris Saint-Germain is a massive club, one of the biggest in Europe. So, to be able to wear these colours, to represent this club, is really incredible. I’ve seen that first hand over the last two and a half years: becoming champions, winning the Champions League twice, securing all those other titles we’ve managed to win, and seeing this constant progress. It's incredible."
What makes you feel at home at PSG today?
“Everything. Life here in Paris. This club is a big family. I really feel at home here, not just with my team-mates, but also with the staff and everyone who works at Paris Saint-Germain. They really make me feel at home. They always welcome me, every day, with a smile; they’re always ready to help us and keen to do so. So I think all of that plays a key role in my decision to renew my contract and carry on here at Paris Saint-Germain.”
You’ve already come a long way since you arrived in 2024. How do you see your progress?
“When I arrived in 2024, everything was completely new: I was still just a boy, I’d only just turned 20 and I’d come here, to this European giant, ready to play in my first Champions League campaign and to try and get more playing time as soon as possible. So a lot has happened since 2024 and I see that I've made incredible progress. ”
In which areas have you made the most progress?
“Technically, I’ve made a lot of progress, that for sure. That’s why the manager has moved me a bit further forward, playing me as a defensive midfielder so that I can help out, better showcase my game, what I’m capable of and what I can bring to the team. That’s where I feel most comfortable and where I manage to perform at my best.”
Is this versatility important to you?
“I think it’s always important to be able to play in several positions, because that means you’re on the pitch more often, playing and enjoying the game. Whatever position I play in – whether it’s centre-back, defensive midfielder or left-back – the most important thing is to be able to help the team, give my all for the club and show on the pitch my gratitude for all the opportunities the manager gives me and for the support my team-mates give me.”
What role has Luis Enrique played in your development?
“I can only thank him for taking me under his wing, so to speak, for helping me improve, and for pointing out the areas where I need to improve and those I still need to work on. I’ve made a lot of progress in all aspects of the game. Mentally too, because as well as everything he teaches us on the pitch, he teaches us a great deal off the pitch – about life, how to live it, how to make the most of every moment, and how to appreciate everything that happens on the pitch, in training and whilst on the road. I think that’s the key point that resonates with me the most."
What have you learnt from him about team dynamics?
“He always places great importance on the team. So I’ve learnt a lot from him about every aspect of the game, whether it’s in attack or defence, when to push forward or slow the pace of the match down a bit. He’s taught us all how he wants us to play, how he wants us to feel on the pitch. And over the years, we’ve seen just how naturally things have come together during matches, which has enabled us to win major titles.”
Before you joined PSG, did you ever imagine you’d one day wear this shirt?
“I think I still find it hard to believe, because all my idols – the people you see on the telly, the ones you see in video games – were playing right here, right in front of us. And four or five years later, to be able to wear this Paris Saint-Germain shirt is something incredible. I don’t think I even have the words to describe this experience.”
Look at this video of when you saw a game at the Parc des princes in 2019...
“I thought the supporters and the atmosphere in the stadium during that match were incredible. And it really impressed me, because it was my first match, the first time I’d been to a match involving a really big club like that, my first time in the stadium. So I was really impressed by the Paris Saint-Germain supporters. Of course, the thought did cross my mind that one day I might reach that level."
What did your starting debut for Paris mean to you, against Real Sociedad in the Champions League?
“It’s a childhood dream come true. The smile on my face really sums up my story: that of always knowing how to make the most of things, always smiling, savouring every moment, living fully in the present. That moment was unique and I was able to enjoy it 100 per cent, being fully present in that moment. It’s a moment I look back on today with pride – proud to have been able to experience it that way – and I hope to experience many more moments like this one."
You often talk about the importance of living in the moment. Why is that so important to you?
“I think that’s the essence of it, not only as a player, but also in the way I view life and the way I live it: always living in the present, always making the most of every moment, because we don’t know what tomorrow holds, nor what’s going to happen. So we must always live life to the full, make the most of every moment, every training session, every trip we take with our team-mates. I think that’s the key to life for me: making the most of and savouring the present moment.”
How did you feel about taking that penalty in the Champions League final?
“I saw it as an opportunity. If the manager brought me on, it’s because he has faith in me. And not just that. I have faith in myself; I’m capable of giving my all and rising to the occasion. So, at that moment, when I picked up the ball, I don’t think I was scared; I didn’t feel a thing. I think it was the confidence that came from being there, from being able to make the most of that moment, because I knew it was a Champions League final. It was a penalty, a very important moment, and I was very happy to be there. So I managed to make the most of it, because I told myself: “I’m going to do my best.” Whether the goalkeeper saves the penalty or not is another matter. That would also be to the goalkeeper’s credit if he saved it. But by giving it my all, I think I have a much better chance of scoring than if I’m scared, if I hold back. So I managed to feel really good at that moment and enjoy it in a unique way.”
After two consecutive Champions League victories, what is PSG’s objective?
“I think it’s been an incredible moment in our lives. For all the Paris Saint-Germain players, and for the club itself, having managed to win these two consecutive finals – these two Champions League titles – and now being able to compete for a third, it means we are aiming for another title. That’s our priority: no matter how many wins we rack up, we want to keep performing at this level. We want to keep winning titles. I think that’s what matters most when you wear this shirt.”
Does being two-time European champions create extra pressure?
“I think that as a team, we’re becoming even stronger. We’re even more united and we want to win even more. We want to go out and win another title; we know it won’t be easy, that there are plenty of matches and many very strong opponents this season. But we know what we have to do and everything the manager will ask of us on the pitch. We never see it as pressure. It’s a privilege to have been champions – champions twice in a row – and to be able to aim for a third title. To keep writing this club’s history, I think it’s important that we remain humble. We’re keeping our feet on the ground so that we can carry on, secure that third title and continue to make history.”
What characterises the squad on a day-to-day basis?
“I’d say it’s the joy of being here. Everyone is really happy to be here and to take part in training. Everyone always has a smile on their face. We enjoy not only the matches and the big away trips, but also the training sessions – those simple little things we experience every day. We make the most of it in a unique way, always united, always having fun. Not everyone has that. I think that’s where it shows most clearly. We always remain humble. Everyone sticks together; everyone supports one another, no matter who’s on the pitch or who starts on the bench. I think that’s the main key that the coach manages to instil so well."
What are your personal and team goals for this season?
“It’s to win it all again. To aim for the Champions League once more, to be even better this season, to be able to win even more titles here in this shirt. When you win, you get used to winning. So, you’re always looking to win more; you always want more. I think I’m at the right club to achieve that, because that’s Paris Saint-Germain’s ambition. It’s always about wanting more. So I think the club’s vision aligns perfectly with my own and that of all the players here. »
Do you really feel like a Parisian now?
“Yes, these days I’m managing to live like a Parisian. Over time, thanks to the atmosphere here, I’ve got to the point where I can speak French very well, so I think that helps me a lot to feel at home. I can express myself with everyone however I like, but the most important thing for me is that my family feels at home too. They are by my side and can make the most of this time. I feel that everything has fallen into place perfectly: the club, the city, my family. So we feel really at home here."
Are you also finding it easier to enjoy life in Paris?
“I’m really enjoying life here. I’m managing to go out a bit more, especially with my wife. Here, we have slightly fewer matches than in Brazil, so it feels as though we can enjoy life in a different way, in a more relaxed way. I’m not sure to what extent this is down to my current mindset, which is different from the one I had in São Paulo. So I think I’m now managing to live my life to the full, savouring every moment and appreciating this wonderful city.”
