On March 23, 2025, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) players were deeply involved in international football, participating in critical matches representing their national teams during the ongoing international break. Six out of ten PSG players started for their respective teams, spotlighting their essential roles on the international stage.
The French national team faced a crucial match against Croatia, needing to win by at least two goals to qualify for the Final Four of the UEFA Nations League after suffering a disappointing 2-0 loss in the first leg. Coach Didier Deschamps made strategic decisions to field an aggressive lineup, featuring PSG’s own Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé in the attacking duo, supported by Bradley Barcola on the left and Michael Olise on the right. Despite the pressure, young talents Warren Zaïre-Emery and Désiré Doué started the match on the bench, waiting for their chance to impact the game.
Italy, on the other hand, was in a precarious situation after losing 1-2 to Germany just a few days prior. The team needed an away victory to advance in the tournament. Gianluigi Donnarumma, standing strong as the Italian captain and goalkeeper, was prepared to lead his squad against a determined German side. The stakes were high for Italy, and the players understood they had to deliver a strong performance.
Portugal was not far behind in their competition, facing Denmark with the need to overcome a one-goal deficit from their first matchup. Coach Roberto Martinez decided to include two PSG stars, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes, in the starting eleven, while Joao Neves, who had started previously, found himself on the bench. This lineup adjustment was met with optimism, as the Portuguese side aimed to secure advancement in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Spain took on the Netherlands in a match that would determine their fate in the Nations League. PSG midfielder Fabian Ruiz, known for his solid performances, was given a starting position again after a 2-2 tie in their earlier clash. The team aimed to capitalize on Ruiz's skills to drive the ball toward victory.
The matches were a crucial time for players like Achraf Hakimi, who temporarily departed from PSG duty to play with Morocco in World Cup qualifying matches. Having played in two games during this international break, Hakimi's involvement began on a high note when Morocco secured a 2-1 victory against Niger. However, his performance took a turn when he received a yellow card, which led to a suspension for the upcoming match against Tanzania.
"Fortunately for Luis Enrique, Hakimi will be suspended for the next match," as noted, which could be a silver lining given that Hakimi had played intensively throughout the season for both club and country. This suspension could allow him a much-needed break before returning to PSG for the final stretch of the season.
As for PSG, the coaching staff expressed their mixed feelings regarding the timing of the international break. While it's beneficial for players to represent their nations, the potential for injury or fatigue leading into crucial club matches is always a concern. With the season nearing its conclusion, PSG's management keeps a close eye on the physical condition of their players.
As these international fixtures wrap up, the players will return to PSG with varying levels of fatigue and accomplishment. For those like Mbappé and Dembélé, successes on the international level could boost their confidence as they gear up for the club's critical matches ahead.
In the end, the results from March 23 remained pivotal not just for the players' respective national teams, but also for PSG as they look to navigate the final hurdles of the season. Will the return of these international players in top form aid PSG's ambitions in both domestic and European competitions? Only time will tell as the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the football season.
