PSG long standing central defender and captain, Brazilian international Marquinhos, has this evening been awarded with a special respect award from UEFA.
Last May, PSG won their second straight UEFA Champions League title, after defeating Premier League side Arsenal on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes of action.
The decisive penalty came from Arsenal central defender Gabriel, who was the final player to step up, blazing his penalty high into the Budapest sky. Great for PSG, but a tough moment for the player.
In the moments after the game, when his team mates were all going crazy celebrating the win, there was PSG captain Marquinhos to console Gabriel and give him a hug, trying to help make him feel better.
The two have been team mates with the Brazil national team for a few years now, and were the central defensive duo chosen by former PSG manager Carlo Ancelotti at this summer's FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, where they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Norway.
As a result of this lovely gesture from the PSG defender, he has been handed the UEFA 2026 respect award, ahead of the draw on Thursday. Although he could not be present to pick up the award, with PSG playing against LOSC Lille tomorrow, but he gave a virtual acceptance speech.
Very happy to win the award, Marquinhos said: "Hi everyone, it’s Marqui. I’m sorry I couldn’t attend this ceremony, but our president is doing a great job representing me.
I would like to thank you for this trophy, it makes me really happy. Fair play is an essential part of both football and daily life, and I will keep being respectful this year towards my team mates, my opponents, the referees and everyone who is involved in the game, in football.
I’m very happy and honoured to be given this trophy. See you soon on the pitch.”
A very nice acceptance speech from who is clearly a lovely guy, and an absolutely bonafide club legend. Although he has been linked with an exit for the past two years now, the Brazilian remains at PSG, and has already began his 14th season at the club, which is quite incredible.
Let's hope that Luis Enrique's side are in the same sort of position next season where this gesture can be made, rather than potentially the other way round. A very well deserved award for a player who represents the club and city incredibly well. Congratulations to him.
