At the Poissy Campus, the Paris youth players have made a habit of singing with the small group of ultras after European matches; the ritual returned after September’s 6-1 win over Slovan Bratislava, but a far sterner night now awaits.
The Ligue 1 news
Paris Saint-Germain’s Espoirs side are beginning the 2026-27 campaign with a heavily renewed group after the summer departure of almost the entire 2008 generation that reached last season’s UEFA Youth League semi-finals.
Martin James, Mathis Jangéal, Hermann Malonga, Aymen Assab, Pierre Mounguengue and Elijah Ly were among the promising players who declined contract proposals and left the club. Jean-François Vulliez is again in charge of a squad now made up largely of players born in 2009 and 2010.
There are already familiar prospects in the group, including full-back David Boly and forward Adam Ayari, but several newer faces are pushing for prominence.
Axel Koukaba offers defensive versatility
Sixteen-year-old Axel Koukaba has already had a glimpse of senior football during PSG’s summer friendlies. The centre-back featured in the 3-0 defeat to Mallorca on 5 August and the 1-1 draw against Manchester United three days later.
Developed at Sénart-Moissy and from Combs-la-Ville, Koukaba has since returned to the U19 and Espoirs ranks. He is a strong defender in duels and generally comfortable playing out from the back, although his concentration can fluctuate. He has also been deployed at left-back.
Standing at roughly 1.84m, Koukaba’s height is viewed by some within the academy as a possible question mark for a centre-back at the very highest level. PSG have time to assess his long-term role, with his aspirant contract running until summer 2028.
Jarell Paisley’s pace stands out
Jarell Paisley, 17, brings speed, repeat-sprint capacity and a creative left foot from the left side of defence. The France U18 international has had his progress interrupted by injuries in recent months and is not currently an automatic starter for the Espoirs.
France U18 coach José Alcocer described Paisley as a reserved but likeable youngster with exceptional running power. Alcocer said the defender has “dynamite in his legs” and called him an explosive full-back, while stressing that his defensive understanding still needs development.
Seydou Konaté adds energy in midfield
Defensive midfielder Seydou Konaté, also 17, received his first France U18 call-up around a fortnight ago. The 1.86m box-to-box player has an above-average aerobic capacity, a reliable left foot and a game built around supporting those around him.
Konaté still has room to improve his end product, but he is regarded as one of the dressing-room leaders in this age group. Alcocer said the midfielder surprised him, drawing a carefully qualified comparison with former PSG and France player Blaise Matuidi because of his running range.
The coach also noted that Konaté is not yet physically filled out, suggesting there remains considerable scope for development, and praised his personality.
Mamadou Meïté faces an important season
Forward Mamadou Meïté, 17, was identified early as an attacking talent while playing in the Paris region for Paris FC and then Villejuif. He can threaten in behind, operate with his back to goal and play across the entire front line.
Meïté has moved quickly through the age groups in recent months. Alcocer praised his technical level, courage and leadership, citing a recent match against Italy in which the striker absorbed physical treatment and provocation without being intimidated.
The France coach compared him, in a more powerful physical frame, to Quentin Ndjantou. Meïté’s future will be a significant issue for PSG in the coming months, with his aspirant deal due to end next June.
Next appointment in France
PSG Espoirs face Manchester City on Wednesday at 16:00 in their first major test of the season. After the encouraging opening victory over Slovan Bratislava, Vulliez’s younger squad will measure itself against one of the competition’s most demanding opponents.
