Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov suffered a frightening collision during the warm-up ahead of their clash with Lille.
The Russian goalkeeper rushed forward to punch the ball clear during a routine training exercise, only to collide heavily with a member of PSG’s coaching team, striking his head.
- Xabi Alonso gives transfer update & names Chelsea star who has impressed him most
- Bradley Barcola to wear bizarre unused shirt number at Liverpool
- Kevin De Bruyne names Arsenal star he wants at Napoli
Despite the impact, Safonov managed to get a touch on the ball before falling heavily to the ground.
The 27-year-old remained stretched out on the pitch as medical personnel immediately hurried to his aid.
Several players and staff gathered around while the pre-match preparations were temporarily stopped after the alarming collision.
Safonov injury ahead of tonights game…… pic.twitter.com/Vo0yBvUBbd
— (@PSGINT_) August 28, 2026
According to Foot Mercato, Safonov was knocked down after running into PSG’s goalkeeping coach.
Initial information from inside the stadium indicated that the incident was the result of the forceful collision rather than a sudden medical problem.
Lucas Chevalier subsequently intensified his own warm-up routine as a precaution, preparing to take over if Safonov could not continue.
Safonov had been selected to start for PSG in their Ligue 1 away fixture against Lille, and he was ultimately cleared to play.
Chevalier was therefore instructed to step aside.
The remarkable incident occurred only a few minutes before the scheduled kick-off at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
The visitors then faced further difficulties once the match began, with Hakon Haraldsson putting Lille ahead before the interval.
Dilane Bakwa appeared to have sealed the victory when he added a second goal with just over five minutes remaining.
However, PSG mounted a stunning late comeback as Vitinha pulled one back in the 91st minute, before Marquinhos struck in the 95th minute to secure a dramatic draw.
