Discover the Best Ligue 1 XI of 2025: A Year of Triumph for Paris Saint-Germain

The 2025 Ligue 1 Team of the Year has been unveiled by 90min, featuring a 4-3-3 formation. This setup has been famously employed by Paris Saint-Germain under Luis Enrique with remarkable success. While numerous PSG players are included, they are not the only stars featured!

2025: A Year to Remember

What a year it has been! As we reflect on the remarkable events of 2025, we start with Paris Saint-Germain, who have transformed under Luis Enrique’s guidance. On the international stage, PSG clinched their first Champions League title, achieving an impressive sextuple: Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and Intercontinental Cup.

Domestically, PSG dominated Ligue 1, remaining unbeaten until the 31st matchday of the 2024/25 season. However, the end of the year proved challenging as the squad struggled to maintain their momentum after an intense six months and with critical European fixtures on the horizon.

Surprising Performances from Other Clubs

The Racing Club de Lens has emerged as a delightful surprise this year. After finishing eighth in Ligue 1 at the end of the 2024-2025 season, they now find themselves in contention for the prestigious title of autumn champions, competing against Toulouse FC at the start of 2026. Under Pierre Sage, Lens has won nine of their last ten league matches.

Marseille also showed significant improvement under Roberto De Zerbi, bolstered by a successful transfer window that brought in Nayef Aguerd, Benjamin Pavard, and Arthur Vermeeren. Despite a rocky start due to the Rabiot-Rowe incident, the Phocaeans managed to regain their form, suffering only one defeat at home throughout the year against RC Lens (0-1) on March 8, 2025.

Honorable mentions go to Olympique Lyonnais under Paulo Fonseca, who continue their pursuit of European qualification despite financial difficulties and a reduced squad. Additionally, RC Strasbourg, managed by Liam Rosenior, came close to achieving a historic Champions League qualification, while LOSC Lille, under Bruno Genesio, finished fifth in the league, highlighted by a strong Champions League campaign.

Sadly, the league witnessed the relegation of three historic clubs—Reims, Saint-Étienne, and Montpellier—by June.

Presenting Our 2025 Team of the Year

1. Goalkeeper: Geronimo Rulli

Rulli has been sensational, especially during the first half of the year, peaking with a historic performance against Real Madrid, where he made 13 saves in a Champions League match. Over the year, he kept eight clean sheets, proving to be consistently reliable. He joined PSG from Ajax for just €4 million on August 11, 2024.

2. Right Back: Achraf Hakimi

What a player! This year, Achraf Hakimi solidified his status as the best right-back in the world. Capable of excelling in various aspects, he missed the end of the year due to an ankle injury. Fans eagerly await his return in Ligue 1 after the Africa Cup of Nations.

3. Center Back: William Pacho

Pacho was one of the standout revelations of 2025. Strong in duels and impressive in ball distribution, the Ecuadorian defender established himself alongside Marquinhos in PSG’s defense, making 76 appearances this year.

4. Center Back: Samson Baidoo

Fresh from RB Salzburg, Baidoo quickly integrated into Ligue 1’s second-best defense, conceding only 49 goals this year. At just 21, he scored twice from headers during corner kicks against Paris FC and Lorient. His development is one to watch in 2026.

5. Left Back: Nuno Mendes

With Hakimi on one side and Mendes on the other, PSG boasted an exceptional pair of full-backs this year. While known for his attacking prowess with three goals and four assists in Ligue 1, Mendes has also made significant defensive improvements under Luis Enrique.

6. Defensive Midfielder: Joao Neves

A breakout star for PSG, Neves was sidelined for parts of the season due to a hamstring injury but still managed an impressive performance. He became a key figure in midfield alongside compatriot Vitinha, netting six goals and providing three assists in Ligue 1.

7. Central Midfielder: Vitinha

After some debates about his level in 2024, Vitinha silenced critics in 2025. A versatile player, he excelled in creation, recovery, and finishing, concluding the year with three goals and seven assists in Ligue 1.

8. Central Midfielder: Corentin Tolisso

For consistent high-level performance in Ligue 1, look no further than Tolisso. A pivotal figure for Lyon, he showcased remarkable mobility, playing as both a 6 and a 10. He scored nine goals and provided three assists this year.

9. Right Winger: Désiré Doué

Doué had a slow start with no goals and only one assist in the first three months, but after December 2024, he exploded into form, scoring five goals and assisting seven times. He finished the 2024/2025 season with an impressive shooting performance.

10. Striker: Ousmane Dembélé

Dembélé’s accolades in 2025 are numerous: Ballon d’Or, UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year, The Best FIFA Player, Champions League MVP, and the top scorer in Ligue 1 with 21 goals. He is undoubtedly the standout player of this team.

11. Left Winger: Mason Greenwood

Co-top scorer in Ligue 1 alongside Dembélé with 21 goals, Greenwood continued his impressive consistency by scoring 11 goals since September. Under De Zerbi, he has become more impactful in crucial matches, contributing with key goals against RC Lens and AS Monaco.