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2025’s Best XI: Celebrating the Top Football Players of the Year
Evidence, surprises, absentees, and disappointments. As is customary at the end of each calendar year, the editorial team at 90min has compiled its best eleven for 2025. This team is structured in a 4-4-2 formation, showcasing immense quality across all positions.
As we prepare to close the chapter on 2025 and begin penning the first lines of 2026, the 90min editorial team wishes to reflect on the past year by honoring the players who shone the brightest. Eleven players, one for each position, have been selected to establish what we believe to be the best team from a memorable year in football history.
The Best XI of 2025
Goalkeeper
1. G. Donnarumma – Italy (PSG and Manchester City)
Donnarumma had an outstanding first half of 2025 with PSG, followed by a stint at Manchester City in the latter half. His remarkable performances included stunning saves in the Champions League, culminating in a title victory with Paris. From saving two penalty attempts at Anfield to a breathtaking stop against Leandro Trossard at Arsenal, he was instrumental in keeping PSG afloat during challenging matches. Undeniably, he has been the best goalkeeper in the world this year.
Defenders
2. A. Hakimi – Morocco (PSG)
Although he suffered a severe ankle injury towards the end of 2025, the Parisian full-back experienced the most significant months of his career. Tireless on the right flank, Hakimi was a crucial asset for PSG in their quest for the Champions League, having scored in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. As the most utilized player by Enrique during the 2024-2025 season, he showed no signs of fatigue during the Club World Cup, leading his team to the final, ultimately lost to Chelsea (3-0).
3. W. Pacho – Ecuador (PSG)
Quietly arriving from Eintracht Frankfurt in the summer of 2024, Willian Pacho quickly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s defense. Alongside the experienced Marquinhos, Pacho demonstrated throughout 2025 that he is one of the most complete defenders in the world. Fast, powerful, and intelligent, the Ecuadorian was instrumental in PSG’s Champions League triumph. In October, he even scored his first club goal against Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. A perfect year.
4. Gabriel – Brazil (Arsenal)
In 2025, Arsenal’s defense was the tightest in the Premier League, largely thanks to the partnership of Saliba and Gabriel. Both could have made this team, yet it was the Brazilian who edged ahead of his teammate. Despite three injuries sidelining him for several weeks, Gabriel was a rock in Mikel Arteta’s squad. Notably, he emerged as a formidable threat on set-pieces, scoring more than any other defender since his arrival in England (18 goals since 2020, five more than his closest rival).
5. N. Mendes – Portugal (PSG)
Nuno Mendes reached a level so high in 2025 that at one point, he was compared to the best left-backs in football history. His performances did not disappoint. While he effectively managed wingers like Lamine Yamal, Bukayo Saka, and Mohamed Salah, Mendes also shone offensively. Scoring five goals in the Champions League throughout the year, including a free-kick against Lille in October, he lifted seven collective trophies, achieving a year that few players in his position can match.
Midfielders
6. Vitinha – Portugal (PSG)
PSG secured six trophies in 2025, while Vitinha clinched seven. Alongside the titles won with PSG, he also triumphed in the Nations League with Portugal. Seven trophies alone justify his place in the team of the year. Beyond that, he played a vital role in every competition, solidifying his position as a defensive midfielder. Considered by Luka Modric as “one of the best, if not the best” midfielder in the world, Vitinha is regarded by our editorial team as one of the top players globally.
7. Pedri – Spain (FC Barcelona)
In a sport that has become increasingly athletic, Pedri stands out for his finesse. This industrious artist has dazzled throughout 2025. Finally free from the physical setbacks that hampered his early years at Barcelona, he has excelled in multiple metrics for midfielders: touches, successful passes, and forward passes. In October, Luis Enrique compared him to Harry Potter before the FC Barcelona vs PSG match — a beautiful metaphor.
8. Raphinha – Brazil (FC Barcelona)
Despite being overlooked in the FIFPro Best XI and FIFA The Best ceremony, Raphinha at least secured a spot in the 90min editorial team’s Team of the Year. As the second top scorer for FC Barcelona during the 2024/2025 season with 34 goals across all competitions, including 13 in the Champions League, he may not have been the most discussed player, but he was undoubtedly the most impactful.
9. L. Yamal – Spain (FC Barcelona)
How could we not mention the pure genius of Lamine Yamal in our Team of the Year for 2025? This year marked the coming of age for Yamal, who celebrated his 18th birthday on July 13. A significant milestone in a man’s life, yet typically not in a player’s career—except for this extraordinary talent, now wearing the number 10 for FC Barcelona. Finishing second in the Ballon d’Or behind Ousmane Dembélé, he has been a protected gem for the Blaugrana, showcasing sensational performances. Despite his immense potential, we hope for even greater feats from him in 2026.
Forwards
10. O. Dembélé – France (PSG)
2025 was undoubtedly his year; he was the defining figure of the last twelve months. Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the standout player, winning both the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA The Best award for his individual and collective performances with Paris Saint-Germain. He transformed his image and became the club’s most significant success story. Without his contributions, PSG would not have lifted the Champions League trophy. A decisive player and a leader, Dembélé was the Man of the Year.
11. H. Kane – England (Bayern Munich)
The age-old comparison holds true for Harry Kane: like fine wine, the English striker improves with age. Celebrating his 32nd birthday on July 28, the Bayern Munich forward started the season on extraordinary footing, boasting a striking ratio of 1.35 goals per match in the Bundesliga after finishing the previous season with 26 league goals. 2025 also marked a pivotal year for Kane, as he finally secured the first trophy of his career, winning the Bundesliga in May.