Mika Godts struggles for playing time at PSG after Belgium debut

Paris Saint-Germain winger Mika Godts finds himself waiting for regular playing time under head coach Luis Enrique, even as the 21-year-old forward commands widespread attention following a standout international debut for Belgium. Recruited for €45 million from Ajax Amsterdam during the summer transfer window, Godts was expected to immediately challenge established names in the French club’s attacking hierarchy. Instead, the young forward has largely been limited to substitute appearances in Ligue 1.

Limited Impact and Playing Time at Paris Saint-Germain

Since arriving at the Parc des Princes, Godts has struggled to secure consistent minutes under Luis Enrique. Across the opening stretch of the club season, the Belgian attacker has surpassed 30 minutes of playing time in a single match only once and has yet to earn his first start for the Parisian side. Reports from French sports daily L’Equipe indicate that Luis Enrique expects greater output from his summer acquisition as the player goes through a standard transitional phase following his high-profile transfer from the Eredivisie.

An Immediate Impact with the Belgian National Team

While playing time has proved difficult to secure at club level, Godts experienced an immediate breakthrough on the international stage. Called up to the senior Belgian national team by newly appointed manager Mark Van Bommel, the winger earned his first cap during the opening fixture of the UEFA Nations League against Italy. Operating on the left wing in that fixture, Godts needed just 20 minutes to open the scoring after receiving a decisive assist from captain Kevin De Bruyne, helping Belgium secure a 2-0 victory on Italian soil.

https://x.com/MegaPSG_/status/2103762600181793261

Media Reaction and the Legacy of Eden Hazard

Belgian outlet Sundinfo drew parallels to one of the country’s greatest modern players, writing that there was “Eden Hazard in the genius of Mika Godts.” Meanwhile, Le Soir described the young PSG forward as a “future very great player” and an athlete of “pure class.” Addressing the reaction after the match, Godts maintained a measured perspective, stating to reporters that he “does not send any message with this performance” and is simply focused on helping the collective group.

Tactical Adjustments and Future Outlook

Godts noted that his responsibilities shift when moving between club and country, pointing out that national team instructions emphasize direct attacking play in one-on-one situations. “Of course the status changes when there is a transfer, but I try to help the team,” Godts said after the win over Italy. “The coach told me to dribble every time I am in a 1v1.”

🎙️ Mika Godts 🇧🇪 après son but face à l’Italie :« Forcément le statut change quand il y a un transfert mais j’essaie d’aider l’équipe. Le coach m’a dit de dribbler à chaque fois que je suis en 1v1. » pic.twitter.com/pJZUK1VjEK
— MEGA PSG 🇵🇸 (@MegaPSG_) September 26, 2026

With his sharp performance in the UEFA Nations League now recorded, Luis Enrique and the Paris Saint-Germain technical staff will likely re-evaluate the winger’s integration into domestic fixtures. Godts will aim to translate his international momentum back to club training as he fights to earn regular minutes and mount a sustained challenge against teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for a place on the left flank.