Safonov: I decided to compete for the No. 1 spot from my first training session

In an interview with Le Parisien, Safonov said he never doubted that he could become Paris Saint-Germain's No. 1 goalkeeper.

Safonov is entering his third season at Paris Saint-Germain, and this is the first time he has started a season as the No. 1 goalkeeper. When he first joined, Donnarumma was still the starter and helped Paris Saint-Germain win the first Champions League title in the club's history. In the summer of 2025, Chevalier became the starting goalkeeper. A few months later, Safonov moved ahead, replacing the French goalkeeper whose performances at the start of the season had failed to convince, and became Paris Saint-Germain's No. 1 goalkeeper. He also helped the team win its second Champions League title last spring.

Speaking about this experience, Safonov said: "I put in a huge amount of effort. Mentally, this period was difficult because the club signed a new goalkeeper, Chevalier, who was the starter from the beginning. I sat on the bench for three or four months, around 20 matches. Later, things changed. The past two years have been crucial: I have undergone major changes mentally, physically, and tactically."

Luis Enrique also played a role in Safonov's development. Although Donnarumma was still the starter when Safonov joined, Safonov still made 17 appearances. He said: "I am a very realistic person. When I joined, I knew very clearly that I would not be the starter at first. Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers I have ever seen. He delivered outstanding performances for Paris Saint-Germain. His saves in the Champions League were crucial, and denying that would be foolish."

Safonov said: "I always stayed calm. I knew I needed time to absorb the tactical ideas and adapt to this level. The beginning was not easy, but by the end of my first season, I finally felt that I was ready to challenge for the starting position in the next season. It did not matter who the opponent was, whether it was 'Gigi' or someone else. In the end, Chevalier arrived, and from my first training session I was determined to prove that I deserved the No. 1 goalkeeper position."

Since the beginning of 2026, Safonov has become Paris Saint-Germain's No. 1 goalkeeper, ending the competition for the position. However, he needs to avoid causing Enrique to have doubts again because of his performances at the start of the season.