Rennes, 24 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mika Godts made an encouraging first appearance for Paris Saint-Germain as the Belgian winger helped Luis Enrique’s side recover from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Rennes in their Ligue 1 opener. The Mika Godts PSG debut offered an early glimpse of the qualities that persuaded the French champions to invest in the 21-year-old this summer.
Godts enters as PSG fight back against Rennes
Godts began Sunday’s match at Roazhon Park on the bench after joining PSG from Ajax earlier this month. With Paris trailing 2-0 at half-time, Luis Enrique made a decisive double substitution, replacing Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with Ferran Torres and Godts.
The changes helped PSG regain momentum. Torres scored twice, in the 71st and 82nd minutes, as the visitors rescued a point from a difficult opening night. Godts did not score, but his introduction gave Paris another direct attacking option as they increased the pressure on Rennes after the interval.
Speaking after the match, Godts said Luis Enrique had asked the substitutes to raise the intensity and try to bring PSG back into the contest. He also said his new team-mates had welcomed him and were helping him settle into the side.
Luis Enrique stresses long-term development
Luis Enrique has made clear that PSG’s new arrivals are being judged as long-term investments rather than on their opening appearances.
Asked about the impact of his summer recruits after the Rennes comeback, the PSG coach said: “We sign players to go a long way with them.” He added that the early signs were positive while stressing that competition for places would be stronger this season.
The approach is particularly relevant to Mika Godts PSG, with the Belgian arriving in Paris at only 21 and still developing at the highest level.
Godts joined PSG on a contract running until 2031 and was given the number 22 shirt. Ajax confirmed that the transfer fee could rise to a maximum of €55 million.
Belgian winger arrives after breakthrough Ajax season
Godts developed through Anderlecht and Genk’s youth systems before joining Ajax in January 2023.
His progress accelerated during the 2025-26 campaign. PSG’s official announcement credited the winger with 17 goals and 15 assists across 44 appearances in all competitions, performances that established him as one of Belgium’s most promising young attacking players.
He also received his first senior Belgium call-up in March and had earned two caps by the time PSG announced his signing.
After completing the move, Godts said he was proud to join PSG and promised to give everything on the pitch to repay the confidence shown in him by president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, football adviser Luis Campos and Luis Enrique.
Competition for places remains intense at PSG
The early challenge for Godts will be securing regular minutes in an attack containing established internationals and several major summer additions.
Luis Enrique said after the Rennes match that competition was tougher than last season and described PSG’s transfer window as very good, while confirming the club remained open to further possibilities before the market closes.
For Godts, that means his encouraging first 45 minutes represent only the beginning. His pace, dribbling and willingness to attack defenders give Luis Enrique another option, but sustained performances will determine how quickly his role grows.
What happens next for Mika Godts?
PSG’s next Ligue 1 fixture is away to Lille on 28 August. After being trusted for the entire second half in Rennes, Godts will now compete for another opportunity as Luis Enrique assesses his attacking options for the early weeks of the season.
The Mika Godts PSG project is therefore being treated as a long-term one, but his lively debut has already given Paris supporters their first indication of what the Belgian could bring to the French champions.
