Marseille vs PSG: Picking a Combined XI of Le Classique Legends

Le Classique is part of 90min's 50 Biggest Derbies in the World Series

The rivalry between Olympique Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain is well documented, we all know that.

And we also know that both teams have had some brilliant individuals on their books over the years, with many of them donning Parisian blue and red recently. That said, the Stade Vélodrome has seen some special talents too so it begs the question, how will we put together a combined Classique XI?

Well, we're putting forward a team of players who were not only great, but also include those who produced big moments in the Classique fixtures during their career.

GK - Steve Mandanda

It's hard not to go for the individual who's played in the most number of Classique matches - a staggering 27.

And it's undeniable that Steve Mandanda is a Marseille legend, having played over 500 games for the club - even returning after a short stint at Crystal Palace. He's been voted Ligue 1's Goalkeeper of the Year an amazing five times and could be considered one of the best to have played in the league.

RB - Bernard Mendy

Though his time in England wasn't as successful as he had hoped, Bernard Mendy was a regular in PSG's first team during the 2000s, and was known for his rapid pace and attack-minded nature.

He played for the Parisians throughout their 'Great Eight' streak of wins in the Classique, and even scored a late winner in a memorable 3-2 win over their rivals in the 2004 League Cup.

CB - Thiago Silva

One of PSG's first major signings after the Qatar Sports Investment (QSI) takeover of the club in 2011, Silva has been exceptional for the team whenever he's been called upon.

His second goal for the side came in a Classique clash and his excellent defensive abilities have been displayed throughout his time in the French capital, with many believing him to be one of the greatest centre-backs of the modern era.

CB - Marius Trésor

Another fantastic centre-back, Trésor was regarded so highly that he was voted the sixth best French footballer of the 20th century.

He never seemed to be sidelined for long during his eight years at Marseille and was hugely impressive at the back for Les Olympiens. It's a shame he only won one trophy with the club.

LB - Gabriel Heinze

Very few can be considered a fan favourite at both PSG and Marseille. But with his tireless defensive commitment and determination, Gabriel Heinze managed to endear himself to both sides.

Having played over 100 games for PSG, he then went to Manchester United. And after playing for the Red Devils and Real Madrid, the Argentinian international arrived at Marseille in 2009, helping the team win Ligue 1 that season.

He even scored the winner against the Parisians during that league-winning campaign, and then netted against them again the following season. Now that's impact.

CM - Safet Sušić

One of the most skilled midfielders to have played for PSG, Safet Sušić established himself as a legend at the club through his superb attacking displays.

A modern-day trequartista, he was a key part of the title-winning team during the 1985/86 season, and remains the third-highest appearance maker in the capital. His terrific dribbling skills and eye for an assist thrilled supporters at the Parc des Princes, so much so that the publication France Football voted him as the best player in PSG's history.

CM - Lorik Cana

While Lorik Cana wasn't a flashy player, the defensive midfielder could be trusted to get the job done. And he did just that - for both PSG and Marseille.

After playing 81 senior games for the Parisians, he then decided to make the move to their bitter rivals in 2005. And in his first Classique for his new club, he scored the decisive winner to give Marseille their first win in the fixture for three years.

Cana was so popular that he became captain of Les Phocéens before the 2007/08 season, and played a total of 175 games before eventually moving on to Sunderland.

CM - Marco Verratti

You'd be forgiven for forgetting Marco Verratti began his career at Pescara, given that he's played for PSG for as long as anybody can remember.

The Italian midfielder is highly versatile, to the extent that he excels at playing in both an advanced or withdrawn role in the centre of the park. And his technical abilities, as well as his intelligence have made him an essential part of the Parisians' first team, performing a vital role in controlling possession and creating chances for his teammates.

FW - Pauleta

Another great foreign import, Pauleta could be relied upon to score goals whenever PSG needed him to.

The striker had a great blend of superb pace, as well as being technically gifted enough to create in turn for his teammates. And he could score on any stage from anywhere, as highlighted by his match-winning display during the 2-1 Classique win in 2004, including a terrific lob over Fabien Barthez.

FW - Jean-Pierre Papin

The captain of arguably Marseille's most successful team ever, Jean-Pierre Papin was a formidable threat who could hurt opposing defences however he wanted to.

Les Olympiens won the league title for four consecutive seasons and the striker was highly important for those triumphs, leading the goalscoring charts for all four campaigns. An undisputed legend at the club, he's the only player to have won the Ballon d'Or while playing for a French club.

FW - Edinson Cavani

The all-time top scorer for PSG, Edinson Cavani has been nothing short of sensational during his time in Paris.

His willingness to work tirelessly for the team has earned him the adoration of the fans, and the Uruguayan can always be counted on to score at the most crucial moment. This was clearly evident when he smashed home a last-minute free-kick to earn the Parisians a 2-2 draw in a Classique encounter in 2017, despite the team being down to ten men.

Cavani is one of the deadliest strikers that has played for PSG and is a worthy addition to this Classique XI.