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PSG & Chelsea: Who has played for both?

As Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC get set to clash in tomorrow's Champions League, we take a look at some of the key players who have featured for both legendary clubs
E. DEVIN
Published on 03/10/2026 at 18:00
4-minute read
David Luiz and Thiago Silva during their time with Paris Saint-Germain

As Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC get set to clash in tomorrow's Champions League, we take a look at some of the key players who have featured for both legendary clubs. Here's our feature on six of the biggest names to have turned up on both sides of the channel

Thiago Silva - Paris saint-germain 2012-20, Chelsea 2020-24

Perhaps the key signing of the QSI era, Silva was a totemic presence for the capital side over eight seasons. Arguably the world's best centre back for much of that time, he formed a powerful, combative partnership with an impressive cast of his countrymen, including his successor as captain, Marquinhos. While European silverware would evade him until his move to Chelsea -- with whom he won the Champions League in 2021 -- he remains one of PSG's most popular players and is a true legend of the club.

David Luiz - Chelsea 2011-14, 2016-19, Paris Saint-Germain 2014-16

Like Silva, Luiz is still active, defying time in the Champions League with Cypriot side Pafos. Having come to Europe with Benfica, his play there, both as a defender and as a defensive midfielder, was impressive indeed, and he would move to Chelsea in January 2011. While he faced strong competition for his place in the team, he impressed enough to earn a move to Paris in 2014, where he would score a famous goal in added time against his former club in the Champions League. Despite impressing in the French capital, he would return to Chelsea after two years, winning the Premier League and the Europa League in his second spell. 

Claude Makelélé - Chelsea 2003-8, Paris Saint-Germain 2008-11

Born in Zaire, the stalwart defensive midfielder came through the academy at Nantes and also impressed for Marseille before earning a big move to Real Madrid in 2000. After three seasons with Los Merengues, he arrived in London for a five-season spell that saw his name become synonymous with playing a lockdown defensive role in midfield. Despite being 35 when he arrived in Paris, he would play more than 100 matches for the capital side and was key in their 2009-10 Coupe de France win.

Alex - Chelsea 2004-12, Paris Saint-Germain 2012-14

Another key element of PSG's Lusophone back line at the time, the veteran defender joined Chelsea from Santos in 2004, having been named Player of the Year twice in Brazil. After coming to England, he spent a lengthy spell on loan at PSV. Back in London, he helped the win the Premier League and pair of FA Cups before joining PSG, where he took part in the club's first title-winning season under QSI before winning the league and Coupe de la Ligue in the following campaign. 

Christopher Nkunku - Paris Saint-Germain 2015-19, Chelsea 2023-25

A product of the Parisian suburbs, the precocious Nkunku made his debut for PSG under Laurent Blanc at the age of 18. His opportunities proved to be limited, though, as the signings of players like Neymar and Kylian Mbappé repeatedly saw his path to the first team blocked. Despite making nearly 30 appearances in his final season in 2018-19, he left for RB Leipzig, where he spent four largely successful seasons and made his senior international debut. His spell for Chelsea was less distinguished, though, as injuries undermined him and he left after two seasons, and is now on the books at AC Milan. 

Nicolas Anelka - Paris Saint-Germain 1996-7, 2000-1, Chelsea 2008-12

Sometimes a figure who courted controversy, Anelka's itinerant career has included spells at many of Europe's top clubs -- he's also featured for Real Madrid, Arsenal and Juventus. His initial spell after coming through the academy at PSG was brief, but he returned to the capital three years later. A fallout with manager Luis Fernandez limited his opportunities, though, and much of the rest of his career was spent in England, where he impressed for Chelsea in winning a raft of major honors and reaching the Champions League final in 2008.

Other players who have featured for both teams include Lassana Diarra, Mateja Kezman, and George Weah.

Read more:

>> PSG and Chelsea: Classic Clashes

>> World Cup: 5 Ligue 1 Players who should be on Didier Deschamps' radar

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