Rivaldo says PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is closest Russian to winning Ballon d'Or
Quick Look
- Former Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo stated that PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is the closest Russian footballer to winning the Ballon d'Or, speaking at Moscow Sports Day.
- Safonov, 27, joined PSG from Krasnodar in summer 2024 and has won multiple titles including two Champions Leagues, two French championships, and the Intercontinental Cup.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Matvey Safonov joined Paris Saint-Germain from FC Krasnodar in the summer of 2024 and became the club's starting goalkeeper, contributing to their victories in the Intercontinental Cup, French Championship, and Champions League.
MOSCOW, September 5. /TASS/. French PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov is the closest Russian footballer to winning the Ballon d'Or, 1999 Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo has told the media at Moscow Sports Day.
Safonov became PSG's starting goalkeeper last season, outperforming Luc Chevalier. He largely contributed to PSG’s win of the Intercontinental Cup, the French Championship, and the Champions League.
"I think PSG goalkeeper Matvey Safonov could be close to winning the Ballon d'Or among Russian footballers," Rivaldo said.
Safonov, 27, joined the Parisian club in the summer of 2024 from Krasnodar. With PSG, the Russian won two Champions League titles, two French championships, and a UEFA Super Cup, as well as one French Cup and Super Cup, and an Intercontinental Cup.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Matvey Safonov will be a contender for the Ballon d'Or in the coming years
Possible · Within years
Open Questions
- What specific criteria did Rivaldo use to assess Safonov's Ballon d'Or potential?
- How do other Russian footballers compare to Safonov in terms of Ballon d'Or contention?
