Top 5 Players That Played for PSG and Inter Milan and What They’re Doing Now
As the Champions League final approaches, we revisit five iconic players who played for both PSG and Inter Milan, leaving indelible marks on the sport. Their legacies continue to inspire, even as they embark on new chapters beyond the pitch.
5. Maxwell
Maxwell played for Inter Milan from 2006 to 2009, where he won three Serie A titles before heading to Barcelona. He joined Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 and stayed until his retirement in 2017, collecting four Ligue 1 titles and becoming one of the most decorated players in history with 33 official trophies. Known for his humility and consistency, Maxwell quietly contributed to every team’s success.
Post-retirement, Maxwell joined PSG’s leadership, working as Assistant Sporting Director. He was a key figure behind-the-scenes during PSG’s star-studded rebuilds. His blend of on-pitch experience and management skills keeps him closely involved in shaping the club’s long-term vision.
4. Youri Djorkaeff
Youri Djorkaeff played for PSG between 1995 and 1996, helping them win the 1995–96 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He then moved to Inter Milan (1996–1999), where he won the 1997–98 UEFA Cup. Known for his technical flair and creativity, he was a central figure in the French team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 alongside the next name on this list.
Djorkaeff retired in 2006 and has since dedicated himself to giving back. He currently serves as the CEO of the FIFA Foundation, focusing on social impact through football. Through global programs, he’s turned his passion into purpose, helping underprivileged communities harness the power of sport.
3. Laurent Blanc
The third player on this list is Laurent Blanc. Blanc joined Inter Milan in 1999, playing two solid seasons before transferring to Manchester United in 2001. He later returned to France and became head coach of PSG in 2013, winning 11 domestic titles in three seasons. Although he didn’t play for PSG, his legacy there as a coach cements his connection to both clubs. As a player, he was also part of France’s 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 victories.
Blanc retired in 2003 and became one of France’s most respected managers. After successful spells with Bordeaux and the French national team, he led PSG (2013–2016) during one of its most dominant domestic eras. In 2024, he took over Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, continuing to apply his calm authority on a new stage.
2. Thiago Motta
Though Brazilian-born, Thiago Motta represented Italy and became a tactician on the field. He played for Inter Milan from 2009 to 2012, crucial in the club’s historic 2009–10 treble-winning season under José Mourinho. He then joined PSG (2012–2018), winning five Ligue 1 titles and becoming one of the club’s most intelligent midfielders.
After retiring in 2018, Motta quickly began coaching, starting with PSG’s U19 squad. He moved through Genoa, Spezia, and Bologna, earning praise for his progressive tactics. In 2024, Juventus appointed him head coach, but his stint ended early in March 2025. Still, his coaching path shows promise — Motta’s football brain remains in high demand.
1. Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Zlatan Ibrahimović joined Inter Milan in 2006, spending three seasons with the Nerazzurri and winning three consecutive Serie A titles (2006–09). After spells in Spain and Italy, he signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2012, where he became a club legend over four seasons, scoring 156 goals in 180 games and winning four Ligue 1 titles. His sheer confidence, outrageous goals, and iconic persona made him unforgettable at both clubs.
Ibrahimović retired in June 2023. He quickly stepped into leadership as Senior Advisor to AC Milan, while also growing his business portfolio, which includes a stake in Hammarby IF in Sweden. “I came, I saw, I conquered”, he once said — and post-retirement, he’s still very much in the game, shaping football from the boardroom.
Did you know that Thiago Motta is one of the few personalities in the football world that does not use social media? Curious who the other four are? Click here to find out.
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