Born in Stavropol on 25 February 1999, Matvey Safonov came through the youth ranks at FK Krasnodar in southern Russia. He made his professional debut in August 2017 and established himself in his boyhood club’s goal during the 2019-2020 season. He became Krasnodar captain during the 2020-2021 campaign, when he also made his UEFA Champions League debut. After 175 appearances for the Russian club and 53 clean sheets, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain on 15 June 2024.
He won nine trophies during his first two seasons in Rouge et Bleu. In the Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, he saved four of the five attempts in the penalty shoot-out, securing the title for Paris (1-1 a.e.t., 2-1 pens.). The Russian goalkeeper started in the 2025-2026 Champions League knockout stage, producing heroic performances between the posts. On 30 May 2026, he was in the starting XI that beat Arsenal in the final (1-1 a.e.t., 4-3 pens.).
At international level, Matvey Safonov represented Russia at every age group from U15 level onwards, beginning in 2014. He made his senior debut in June 2021, playing two matches in the group stage of UEFA Euro 2020.
