"When PSG calls you, you can't say no": Raphaël's Noah Gaudin returns to France after a busy season

It's been a busy summer for 26-year-old Noah Gaudin of Paris Saint-Germain. Transferred to PSG a few days ago from Skjern, the 1.97m center-back has been making frequent trips between Denmark and France. The now-international player reflects on his emotional season.

You finished the season as the Danish league's top scorer with 216 goals. Is this your best season yet?

I've been more consistent than I was in my early years. I already felt good last season. I focused on what was working. In each match, I was able to be calmer, taking the situations that suited me best. I had very big responsibilities, playing almost an hour in each match in attack and defense. I think I've reached a new level.

Do you have any regrets about finishing second in the play-offs behind Aalborg after beating GOG in the semi-finals?

We didn't necessarily have the regular season we wanted by finishing ^8th . We were too inconsistent. We beat the favorites in the semi-final. The final was complicated. They have two international players per position, Niklas Landin in goal... Against them, if everything isn't perfect...

Looking back, was moving to Denmark the perfect place to develop?

My choice was a surprise. There are a lot of foreign players in this league. They have a lot of youngsters who have responsibilities very early on. SønderjyskE gave me a lot of playing time and a lot of responsibilities.

After two youth world championship titles, you will be joining the great French team in March...

I played the first match in Lyon while Romain Lagarde was in the stands. We switched positions for the second match. A lot happened in a short time. My family was there. It was a reward for them too. I was happy that we were together for that moment. When you arrive, the coach gives you a jersey to congratulate you. It's a powerful moment to see your name on the jersey. I won't forget La Marseillaise . You realize what's happening to you afterward.

Then the opportunity presents itself...

I played both games against Sweden and Norway and scored my first goal. I play center-half, so it's a lot of new stuff... There's a time to adapt to the system. It takes a little time. But it shouldn't be too long because you never know when the next one will be. I hope to get back there soon.

You have just been transferred to Paris: tell us how you experienced this summer...

There were discussions with Paris for 2026. When Jacob Holm injured his Achilles tendon, PSG wanted me back immediately. Skjern didn't want to let me go without finding a replacement. I had time to go on vacation to New York. My agent and I called a lot. The agreement was reached on July 10.

How did you decide?

Since I left Aix for SønderjyskE, I've wanted to take a step forward each time. At Skjern, I played a big role in Europe. So, when PSG called me, there was no reason to say no to a club that has been French champions eleven times in a row and plays in the Champions League.

What role will you be in?

I spoke with the coach (Stefan Madsen) . He was at Aalborg and had the Danish youth team that I played against. We always got along well. I'm going there as a center-half to double up with Luc Steins. I want to have a role in this team. Wherever I go, I want to make my mark.

What goals did you set for yourself when you signed there?

I have to live up to the club's philosophy: to go all the way in every competition. Paris is a good club for not setting limits.

Was returning to France the initial plan?

My plan was to play in the German league. The Bundesliga is the league I dream of. I had opportunities, but I preferred to develop at Skjern. I never closed any doors. But when PSG calls you, you can't say no.

You will soon return to Saint-Raphaël, with a Starligue match on the ^2nd day...

It's one of the first things I watched with my parents (his father Christian is the sports director of SRVHB) . It's funny that it's so early. I started here at 4 years old. I know everyone. I still hope to win, even if it's my training club and there's a family conflict. It's going to be special.