Paris, November 4, 2025 – In a resounding affirmation of Paris Saint-Germain's historic 2024-25 season, the 2025 FIFPRO Men's World XI was unveiled on November 3, featuring an unprecedented five players from the French giants. Voted exclusively by over 26,000 professional footballers from 68 countries, the prestigious lineup—announced by the global players' union FIFPRO—honors performances from July 15, 2024, to August 3, 2025. The team, selected in a fluid 3-4-3 formation, showcases a blend of defensive solidity, midfield dynamism, and attacking flair, with PSG's treble-winning campaign (Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and their maiden UEFA Champions League title) earning widespread peer recognition.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who departed PSG for Manchester City in September 2025, anchors the XI with his heroic displays, including crucial saves in the Champions League knockout stages. The Italian shot-stopper, voted the Yashin Trophy winner at the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, received the most votes overall (13,609), underscoring his pivotal role in PSG's European conquest.
The defensive trio is a testament to tactical versatility and marauding full-backs. Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, earning his fifth selection, provides commanding presence in the center. Flanking him are PSG's dynamic duo: Morocco's Achraf Hakimi on the right and Portugal's Nuno Mendes on the left. Hakimi, the sole African representative in the men's team, delivered a standout season, contributing four goals and five assists in the Champions League alone—ranking ninth among all players in goals plus assists for the competition. His inclusion marks a personal triumph, following a goal-scoring performance in PSG's 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the 2025 Champions League final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31. That record-breaking margin remains the largest in final history, with Hakimi's early strike setting the tone alongside braces from Désiré Doué and goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu.
Hakimi's exploits have positioned him as a frontrunner for the 2025 African Men's Player of the Year, where he competes against Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. "This recognition from my peers means everything," Hakimi said post-announcement. "Scoring in the final against my former club Inter was special, but lifting the trophy with PSG was the dream." His selection also highlights Morocco's growing influence, fresh off their strong showing at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfield quartet blends experience with youthful exuberance. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham, in his second consecutive appearance, pairs with Chelsea's Cole Palmer—both English talents shining in the Premier League. Barcelona's Pedri, making his debut, adds Catalan creativity, while PSG's Vitinha completes the engine room. The Portuguese midfielder, third in Ballon d'Or voting, orchestrated PSG's transitions with poise, earning plaudits for his third-place finish behind winner Ousmane Dembélé and runner-up Lamine Yamal.
Up front, the trio of Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid), Ousmane Dembélé (PSG), and Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) forms a formidable attack. Mbappé, securing his sixth World XI nod, transitioned seamlessly to Madrid after departing PSG, claiming the Golden Boot in La Liga. Dembélé, the 2025 Ballon d'Or recipient—the sixth Frenchman to claim the honor—exploded with 35 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, including decisive strikes in PSG's Champions League run. His central role under Luis Enrique transformed him into a complete forward, culminating in a tearful acceptance speech where he credited teammates for his revival after injury-plagued years.
Yamal, at just 18, etched his name in history as the youngest-ever Men's World XI selection, eclipsing Mbappé's 2018 record (achieved at 19). The Barcelona winger, who won the Kopa Trophy for best young player, amassed 10,167 votes—second only to Donnarumma among outfielders. His Euro 2025 heroics with Spain, combined with a domestic treble at club level, propelled him to second in Ballon d'Or voting. "It's an honor to be voted by the best in the world," Yamal posted on social media.
PSG's five representatives—Donnarumma, Hakimi, Mendes, Vitinha, and Dembélé—surpass the club's previous high of three (2022). This dominance reflects their quadruple haul, including the UEFA Super Cup. "We've built a team, not just stars," coach Luis Enrique noted, who won the Johan Cruyff Trophy for best men's coach.
Notably absent are legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a generational shift. Messi holds the record with 18 appearances, but his Inter Miami focus kept him off the shortlist. Premier League representation dipped to three (Van Dijk, Bellingham, Palmer), down from five in 2024.
In the Women's World XI, Zambia's Barbra Banda—2025 African Women's Player of the Year—secured a spot, providing continental pride after Nigeria's Michelle Alozie missed out. England's Euro 2025 triumph yielded six Lionesses, with Chelsea's Lucy Bronze earning a record eighth selection.
FIFPRO's unique peer-voted format, established in 2005, ensures authenticity. Over 20,000 votes shaped the 26-player shortlists revealed in October, with finalists requiring at least 30 official matches. The 2025 edition celebrates 10 debutants across both XIs, signaling football's evolving landscape.
As the football world digests this star-studded XI, eyes turn to the Africa Player of the Year awards and upcoming club competitions. Hakimi's nod amplifies calls for greater African recognition, while Yamal's record-breaking inclusion heralds a new era. PSG's haul validates their Qatari-backed project, proving sustained success breeds peer respect.
This dream team, if assembled, would dazzle: Donnarumma; Hakimi, Van Dijk, Mendes; Bellingham, Palmer, Pedri, Vitinha; Dembélé, Mbappé, Yamal. Tactical debates aside—its attack-heavy bias might expose vulnerability—its talent is undeniable. As FIFPRO CEO Jonas Baer-Hoffmann stated, "This is the players' voice, celebrating excellence without media bias."
The announcement, streamed globally, drew millions, reigniting discussions on football's global hierarchy. With PSG's Champions League triumph still fresh—capped by that 5-0 final rout—the 2025 World XI cements their legacy. For Hakimi, Mbappé, Yamal, and peers, it's validation from the ultimate jury: fellow professionals.
