Footballers who played for Inter Milan and PSG

Kamli
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Kamli
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The 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Final will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena in Munich, with kick-off set for 9:00 p.m. (CEST). This thrilling showdown between Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) promises a night of elite European football. As fans anticipate this epic clash, it’s a great time to explore the players who have played for both Inter Milan and PSG—two of Europe’s most iconic clubs.

Over the years, some of the world’s most talented footballers have donned the jerseys of both PSG and Inter Milan. The transfer paths between these two powerhouses have introduced fans to several high-profile stars who made significant impacts at both clubs. From legendary strikers like Zlatan Ibrahimović to dynamic full-backs such as Achraf Hakimi, the list of players who represented PSG and Inter Milan reflects a shared history of football excellence across Ligue 1 and Serie A.

In this article, we take a closer look at 10 notable footballers who played for both sides—whether as short-term standouts or long-serving legends.

10 Players who played for both Inter Milan and PSG

1. Zlatan Ibrahimović

One of the most influential forwards in European football history, Zlatan Ibrahimović enjoyed remarkable success at both Inter Inter Milan and PSG.
During his time at Inter Milan (2006–2009), the Swedish striker led the line with dominance, helping the Nerazzurri secure three consecutive Serie A titles. He also finished as the league’s top scorer in his final season before making a high-profile move to FC Barcelona. In 2010, he was loaned to AC Milan, marking the beginning of the end of his time at Barça.
Ibrahimović later joined PSG (2012–2016), where he became the face of the club’s new era. In Paris, he scored an astounding 156 goals in 180 appearances, guiding the team to four Ligue 1 titles and several domestic cups. At the time, he retired as PSG’s all-time top scorer, leaving a lasting legacy as a true icon of the club.

2. Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta played a crucial role during two highly successful chapters of his career at Inter Milan and PSG. He joined Inter Milan from Genoa in 2009 and became an integral part of José Mourinho’s squad, contributing significantly to Inter’s historic treble-winning 2009–10 season, which included the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League.

In January 2012, Motta made the move to PSG, where he quickly established himself as the heartbeat of the midfield. His intelligence, composure, and tactical discipline helped transform PSG into a dominant force in French football. Between 2012 and 2018, he won five Ligue 1 titles and several domestic cups, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential midfielders in the club’s modern era.

3. Mauro Icardi

Mauro Icardi established himself as one of Serie A’s most lethal strikers during his spell at Inter Milan (2013–2019), where he served as both club captain and top scorer. After joining from Sampdoria in 2013, Icardi quickly rose to prominence with his sharp finishing and natural goal-scoring instincts. Over six seasons, he netted 124 goals in 219 appearances, earning the Serie A Golden Boot twice (2014–15 and 2017–18).

In 2019, Icardi joined Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on loan and made an immediate impact, scoring 12 goals in his debut season, which led to a permanent transfer. While he didn’t assume the same central role he held at Inter, he contributed effectively to PSG’s success, helping the club win two Ligue 1 titles and other domestic honors. Though his time in Paris lacked the individual spotlight of his Inter years, Icardi remained a valuable attacking option in a team filled with stars.

4. Achraf Hakimi

Achraf Hakimi, a modern full-back renowned for his explosive pace and attacking prowess, currently stars for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). After rising through the ranks at Real Madrid and impressing during a loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Hakimi made a permanent move to Inter Milan in 2020.

During the 2020–2021 season, he emerged as one of Inter’s most influential players, playing a key role in their Serie A title-winning campaign. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him a standout performer under Antonio Conte.

In 2021, Hakimi transferred to PSG for a reported fee of around €60 million. Since arriving in Paris, he has helped the club secure multiple domestic trophies, including back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. Now, in a dramatic twist, Hakimi is set to face his former club Inter Milan in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League Final, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this historic matchup.

5. Maxwell

A model of stability and elegance on the left flank, Maxwell stands as one of the most decorated footballers of the modern era, having played for some of Europe’s most prestigious clubs, including Ajax, Barcelona, Inter Milan and PSG.

Maxwell joined Inter Milan from Ajax in 2006 and spent three highly successful seasons at San Siro. During his time with the Nerazzurri, he helped the club secure three consecutive Serie A titles and the 2008 Supercoppa Italiana, becoming known for his intelligence, composure, and consistent performances.

Following a stint at Barcelona (2009–2012), where he added even more silverware to his collection, Maxwell signed with PSG in 2012. In Paris, he played a pivotal role in the club’s rise to domestic dominance. Over five seasons, he amassed over 200 appearances and helped PSG win four Ligue 1 titles, three Coupe de France trophies, and numerous other domestic honors.

With 37 career trophies, Maxwell is not only a symbol of success but also a testament to reliability and class across multiple footballing cultures. His legacy is cemented at both Inter Milan and PSG, where he remains a respected figure.

6. Milan Škriniar

A commanding figure in defence, Milan Škriniar is one of the most recent players who represent Inter Milan and PSG. Renowned for his strength, positioning, and composure on the ball, Škriniar rose to prominence as a defensive stalwart in European football.

Škriniar joined Inter Milan from Sampdoria in 2017 and quickly established himself as a pillar in the backline. Over six seasons at San Siro, he made over 240 appearances, helping the Nerazzurri clinch the 2020–21 Serie A title, two Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles. His consistent performances and leadership earned him captaincy and the admiration of fans.

In 2023, Škriniar became the first Slovak player to join PSG, signing as a free agent. Despite high expectations, his time in Paris has been hampered by injuries, including a fractured fibula. Still, he has managed to feature in 29 Ligue 1 matches with an impressive 95.8% pass accuracy, showcasing his intelligence in possession and ability to build from the back.

Currently on loan at Fenerbahçe, Škriniar continues to adapt and contribute at the highest level, underlining the global journey of modern footballers and his enduring value across top European leagues.

7. Youri Djorkaeff

A creative and technically gifted forward, Youri Djorkaeff is one of the rare players to have made a lasting impact at both Inter Milan and PSG during the 1990s. His illustrious career spanned multiple countries, featuring stints in France (Grenoble, Strasbourg, Monaco, PSG), Italy (Inter Milan), Germany (Kaiserslautern), England (Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers), and the United States (New York Red Bulls).

Djorkaeff joined PSG from AS Monaco in 1995, scoring 13 goals in 35 league appearances and quickly becoming a fan favorite. He was instrumental in PSG’s 1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup victory—the club’s only European trophy to date.

In 1996, he moved to Inter Milan, where he continued to shine on the European stage. Over three seasons with the Nerazzurri, Djorkaeff played alongside stars like Ronaldo Nazário, scoring 30 goals in 87 Serie A appearances and helping Inter win the 1997–98 UEFA Cup.

One of Djorkaeff’s most iconic moments came on January 5, 1997, when he scored a sensational bicycle kick in a 3–1 victory over Roma. The goal was later immortalized on Inter’s season ticket and is still regarded as one of the greatest strikes in Serie A history.

8. Benoît Cauet

While not the most high-profile name on this list, Benoît Cauet was a reliable and hard-working midfielder whose career spanned France, Italy, Bulgaria, and Switzerland. His contributions to both Inter Milan and PSG reflect his commitment, versatility, and tactical intelligence on the pitch.

Cauet began his professional journey with PSG in the early 1990s, during a golden era that featured stars like George Weah and David Ginola. Although not always a first-choice starter, he made valuable appearances and played a supporting role in the club’s domestic and European growth.

In 1997, Cauet signed for Inter Milan, where he arguably enjoyed the most impactful period of his career. Known for his assertive play and tireless engine in midfield, he quickly became a fan favorite. Over four seasons (1997–2001), he made over 140 appearances and was a key figure in Inter’s 1997–98 UEFA Cup triumph. Though not flashy, Cauet’s consistency, discipline, and work ethic earned him lasting respect in both Paris and Milan. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and management within football.

9.  Stéphane Dalmat

Stéphane Dalmat was a technically gifted yet often unpredictable midfielder whose career spanned 16 clubs across six countries, including notable spells at Inter Milan and PSG. Renowned for his dribbling skills, powerful shot, and versatility, Dalmat could operate effectively as both a central and attacking midfielder. However, his career was also marked by frequent transfers, inconsistency, and reported clashes with managers—earning him the unfortunate label of a “wasted talent.”

Dalmat began his rise in French football with Châteauroux and Lens, before moving to Marseille and eventually joining PSG in 2000. His transfer, part of a deal involving Nicolas Anelka, was reportedly valued at €35 million, making him the most expensive player in Ligue 1 history at the time. Despite the hype, Dalmat struggled to settle in Paris, making just 18 appearances before a fallout with coach Luis Fernandez led to his exit.

Later that year, Dalmat signed for Inter Milan, where he played from 2001 to 2003. At Inter, he shared the pitch with stars like Javier Zanetti and Christian Vieri, making over 40 appearances and scoring 2 goals. While he never fully realized his immense potential, Dalmat remains one of the few players to have represented both PSG and Inter Milan—two of Europe’s most storied clubs.

10. Juan Pablo Sorin

A charismatic and versatile footballer, Juan Pablo Sorín was known for his leadership, technical skill, and relentless energy. Comfortable as both a left-back and a midfielder, the Argentine international enjoyed a distinguished career across some of the world’s top leagues, including memorable, albeit brief, spells at both Inter Milan and PSG.

Sorín joined Inter Milan for the 2001–02 season, bringing with him high expectations. However, his time at the San Siro was unfortunately hampered by a series of injuries. As a result, he made only a handful of appearances for the Nerazzurri before moving on in search of more consistent playing time.

In the 2003–04 season, Sorín was loaned to PSG from Barcelona. During his time in Paris, he made 26 appearances and played an important role in the club’s campaign, helping them secure the Coupe de France. His energetic style and experience brought much-needed stability to the left flank, even though his stint in France lasted just one season.

While his impact at both Inter and PSG was limited in duration, Sorín’s broader career — which spanned Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France — showcased a player admired for his commitment, versatility, and leadership on the pitch.

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