Opinion
Writers' Picks: Defender of the Season
The Ligue 1 McDonald's editorial team -- George Boxall, Eric Devin and Eduardo Razo -- have picked their favorites for the 2024/25 season in seven categories. Learn who the experts have picked in our latest series, continuing with our honorees for Defender of the Year.
Eduardo Razo: Charlie Cresswell, Toulouse FC
In his first Ligue 1 McDonald’s season, Cresswell emerged as a key defensive presence for Toulouse, leading the team in clearances (191), blocks (44), and shots blocked (28). He ranked third in interceptions (28), trailing only Gabriel Suazo and Cristian Cásseres Jr., and was one of the most disciplined in duels, losing just 18 challenges, the seventh-fewest on the team.
Il s'imposait déjà depuis plusieurs semaines dans les couloirs aériens de @Ligue1, Cresswell Airways 🛫 a choisi la #CoupeDeFrance pour franchir le mur du son une première fois !
Imparable ☄️#TFCLAVAL pic.twitter.com/eO8Z9zrzB5— Toulouse FC (@ToulouseFC) January 17, 2025
Eric Devin: Marquinhos, Paris Saint-Germain
The numbers speak for themselves -- despite being just 31, Marquinhos captured his record-breaking tenth Ligue 1 McDonald's title this season, and also has Paris Saint-Germain in the finals of the both the Champions League and Coupe de France. Readily accommodating the forays forward of Achraf Hakimi and a new defensive partner in Willian Pacho, his steady play and expertise were consistently the backbone of the capital side, allowing Luis Enrique rejigger the team around his experienced veteran.
Marquinhos is the ONLY player in history to win 10 L1 titles 🇧🇷🏆 pic.twitter.com/SzmSWBx33q
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 5, 2025
George Boxall: Willian Pacho, Paris Saint-Germain
Since arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer, Willian Pacho has quietly established himself as one of Ligue 1’s standout defenders. The Ecuadorian international, just 23, has impressed with a calm authority at the heart of Paris Saint-Germain’s back line, forming a complementary partnership with captain Marquinhos. More consistent than many of the club’s high-profile defensive recruits in recent years, Pacho has even kept World Cup winner Lucas Hernandez out of the starting XI since the Frenchman’s return from injury.
His Ligue 1 form has been near-faultless, with only the occasional lapse in positioning to note. While his European outings — most notably against Aston Villa — have included a few high-profile mistakes, his domestic performances have underlined his importance to Luis Enrique’s setup. A dominant presence in the air, Pacho also stands out for his composure in one-on-one situations, regularly coming out on top against some of Ligue 1’s most dangerous counter-attackers.
The backbone of PSG’s defense, Willian Pacho! 🚫🇪🇨 pic.twitter.com/OHPWNT3keh
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) November 3, 2024
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