Cats to the Rescue: PSG's Keeper Dilemma Gets a Pawsitive Twist
24 October 2025
Chevalier's Challenge at PSG
Lucas Chevalier, PSG's goalkeeper, has been under a cloud of criticism for his recent performances.
He arrived from Lille in the summer for 55 million euros, signing a five-year contract through 2030.
The 23-year-old, sometimes described as a Spanish international in some reports, has become Paris Saint-Germain's first-choice goalkeeper, stepping in for Gianluigi Donnarumma, who won world goalkeeper honours this year and moved to Manchester City after the window closed.
Donnarumma's departure followed a disagreement with the club over renewing his contract that would have run through 2026.
Le Parisien noted that since Chevalier's arrival, he has become the first-choice in the squad, with a mixed start after 11 weeks, featuring 14 appearances across all competitions, and a European Super Cup triumph.
The young French stopper moved into a more demanding environment than Lille, but began well in early games, saving a penalty in the UEFA Super Cup shootout against Tottenham's Micky van de Ven, and stopping two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 win over Toulouse. He also contributed to a penalty miss by Alejandro Grimaldo of Leverkusen in a later clash.
Despite those moments, Le Parisien also highlighted that the keeper fits Luis Enrique’s style thanks to his ball-playing ability, yet exposed himself to some errors, including a controversial moment that led to a Marseille goal and a 3-3 draw with Strasbourg.
Le Parisien concluded that there is no need to rush judgments on Chevalier's abilities; the article suggested he will feel more settled after returning to a home routine and enjoying quiet moments with his cats, rather than living in a hotel room.
PSG results in 2025-2026
PSG have recorded five wins and one defeat to their rival Marseille, losing 0-1 in the French Klassiker, with two draws in the eight league rounds played so far. They beat Nantes and Angers 1-0 in the first two rounds, then overcame Toulouse 6-3, Lens 2-0, and Auxerre 2-0, before the international break. Before the break, they drew 1-1 with Lille and 3-3 with Strasbourg, placing PSG second with 17 points behind Marseille (18) and ahead of Strasbourg (16) and Lyon (15).
In Europe, PSG opened the season by lifting the European Super Cup against Tottenham on penalties after a 2-2 draw, then won three consecutive Champions League matches against Atalanta, Barcelona, and Bayer Leverkusen.
Season snapshot
With eight rounds completed, PSG remain in contention on multiple fronts, and Chevalier's role appears to be solidifying as the season progresses. The narrative around his form will continue to unfold as he settles into life in Paris and with his new feline-friendly lifestyle at home.
Punchline time: If cats could coach, PSG would probably win the league on a whisker. And if Chevalier keeps this up, the only thing that might miss a shot is the ball—because the cat keeps staring at it so intensely it forgets to move.
