Paris FC's Kevin Trapp having an impact on his return "home"
Kevin Trapp has always been drawn to the City of Lights. The former PSG shotstopper is back in Ligue 1 McDonald's, this time with Paris FC, where he is playing a bit part - but certainly not inconsequential - role.
Trapp returns 'home'
"Coming back here is a bit like coming home," Trapp told L'Équipe earlier this season. The former Germany international is certainly no stranger to the French Capital. Between 2015 and 2019, the goalkeeper made 91 appearances for PSG, in what was a highly successful period for Les Parisiens, particularly in Ligue 1.
And whilst he returned to his native Germany in 2019, signing for Eintracht Frankfurt, he couldn't resist a last hoorah in Ligue 1 McDonald's, when the opportunity presented itself earlier this summer.
Trapp was signed for a nominal fee. He was not necessarily brought in to be the club's No.1 goalkeeper. Paris FC were promoted from Ligue 2 BKT last season, in part thanks to Obed Nkambadio's heroics between the sticks. Nkambadio, just 22 years old, is seen as a big prospect, as evidenced by his place in the France youth set-up.
Kevin Trapp returns to Paris 🧤🇩🇪🗼 pic.twitter.com/7Kn4ejoUTC
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 20, 2025
As a result, the idea was never for Trapp to replace the Frenchman, but to accompany him and help him progress. And so Trapp plays an important role in the dressing room. The 35-year-old has accrued plenty of experience at the elite in Ligue 1 McDonald's, all of which he can share with him teammates, some of whom are playing in the top-flight for the first time.
But that's not all, Trapp also fulfils the role of a translator. The goalkeeper speaks six languages, one of which is Portuguese. Otavio, one of Paris FC's summer signings, has revealed how Trapp has been helping him.
"I'm now taking French classes and Kevin is helping me on a daily basis. It is important for me to be able to count on someone like him," said the defender. Whilst he may be a makeshift translator, conveying the staff's instructions and comments, he is not fulfilling the role of a model, despite reports that emerged earlier this season. "It is nonense," joked Trapp, who clearly saw the funny side.
Trapp gives Gilli a choice to make
Trapp's influence can also be measured on the pitch. The German has played three games this season, including starting two of their last three Ligue 1 McDonald's games. He notably kept a clean sheet, away to AS Monaco earlier this month.
His performances have forced Stéphane Gilli to re-evaluate how he uses his two goalkeepers. "I am lucky to have two good goalkeepers," he said after the 4-2 defeat to Lille on Sunday night. "I felt this week that Kevin brought us more calmness [...] I thought that he could bring us something," added the Paris FC manager.
Trapp, so important in the dressing room, is now becoming more influential on the pitch, too, and he has certainly furthered his cause for more minutes in recent games.
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