DOHA — FIFA announced the 2025 The Best Men's and Women's XI teams during a prestigious awards ceremony at the Fairmont Katara Hall in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The selections highlight the standout performers across club and international football over the assessment period from August 11, 2024, to August 2, 2025, with Paris Saint-Germain dominating the men's team and players from Spain and England leading the women's lineup.
The men's XI features six players from PSG's squad that secured the club's inaugural UEFA Champions League title with a commanding 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final at Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31, 2025. PSG's historic triumph marked the culmination of a treble, including Ligue 1 and the Coupe de France, and a runner-up finish in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
In goal is Gianluigi Donnarumma, who contributed to PSG's successes before transferring to Manchester City. The defense includes Achraf Hakimi and Willian Pacho (both PSG), Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, and PSG's Nuno Mendes. The midfield comprises Chelsea's Cole Palmer (adidas Golden Ball winner at the Club World Cup), PSG's Vitinha, Barcelona's Pedri, and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham. Up front are PSG's Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona's 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.
FIFA noted PSG's heavy representation reflects their dominant European campaign, complemented by emerging talents like Yamal and established stars from top clubs. The team was selected through equal weighting of votes from a panel of football experts and registered fans on FIFA.com.
The women's XI is dominated by Spanish and English players, with seven from Spain and four from England, following a competitive year capped by England retaining the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 title with a penalty shootout victory over Spain in the final, and Arsenal defeating Barcelona 1-0 in the UEFA Women's Champions League final on May 24, 2025, at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon.
Goalkeeper duties go to England's Hannah Hampton. The defense features England's Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson, alongside Spain's Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle. Midfield is anchored by Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro, and Claudia Pina. The attack includes Barcelona's Alexia Putellas and Mariona Caldentey, Arsenal's Alessia Russo, and another Spanish forward.
The women's selections underscore the rivalry between Spain and England, who met in major finals, and the rising prominence of clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal. Voting mirrored the men's process, emphasizing impact at both club and international levels.
The announcements came alongside other honors, including Ousmane Dembélé as The Best FIFA Men's Player—mirroring his Ballon d'Or win—and Aitana Bonmatí claiming the women's prize for the third consecutive year. The ceremony celebrated a transformative year in football, with PSG's long-awaited Champions League breakthrough, England's Euro defense, and Arsenal's upset over Barcelona.
FIFA's The Best XI differs from the FIFPro World XI, focusing on a specific performance window and inclusive voting. The men's team blends PSG's collective strength with individual brilliance from Yamal and Palmer, while the women's reflects the Anglo-Spanish dominance in recent tournaments.
These teams symbolize the evolving landscape of global football, with young stars like Yamal and established figures like van Dijk and Bonmatí earning recognition. As the sport grows, such awards highlight achievements that inspire future generations.
The Doha event, held ahead of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final, drew global attention, reinforcing Qatar's role in hosting major football gatherings. With over millions of fan votes influencing outcomes, the selections emphasize community involvement in celebrating excellence.
