Marquinhos, Getty Images October 27, 2025, 1:30 p.m

Former Real Madrid and PSG star Claude Makelele has publicly urged the Madrid club to try to sign Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Marquinhos, naming the Brazilian as his dream player for the club. ​

Makelele, who worked with Marquinhos at PSG under Carlo Ancelotti, said he always wanted to see the player at Madrid. ​

“I love this guy. I worked with him at PSG. His qualities, his work, his passion, his patience… He has progressed very, very much,” Makelele told Trivela.

The French veteran praised the 31-year-old Brazilian’s rare defensive skills, including his ability to play one-on-one, and his leadership qualities. According to Makelele, Marquinhos is exactly the kind of character Real Madrid need in the post-Luka Modric era.

​”Now I don’t see many defenders who play one-on-one. Marquinhos does that. He is my dream player to strengthen Real Madrid,” added the French veteran. ​

At the same time, Makelele admitted that such a transfer is unlikely, as Marquinhos is PSG’s record holder for the number of matches played (over 490 games) and a symbol of the club. ​

“Of course, he is currently playing for the best team in the world – Paris Saint-Germain. But he is the type of player I would like to see in Madrid… I don’t think Paris will let him go,” concluded Makelele.