FIFA has released its Best Men’s XI for 2025 as a bold new generation lines up alongside proven greats who continue to set the standard at the very top.
Unveiled during The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025, the selection rewards players who stood out across club and international football over the past year. Consistency in Europe’s elite leagues, coupled with decisive performances on the biggest stages, played a major role in shaping the final team.
Up front, Ousmane Dembélé’s return to his most devastating form earns him a place after a campaign defined by confidence, goals and match-winning moments.
Alongside him is Lamine Yamal, whose inclusion marks one of the most remarkable stories of the year. Still a teenager, the Barcelona star has moved with startling speed from exciting prospect to one of world football’s most feared attackers.
The midfield reflects balance, intelligence and invention. Pedri’s calm control anchors the unit, complemented by Vitinha’s smooth distribution and Jude Bellingham’s relentless energy and influence. Cole Palmer completes the quartet after a breakout year in which his creativity and decisive contributions made him one of the game’s standout attacking midfielders.
Defensively, power and athleticism are the defining traits. Nuno Mendes and Achraf Hakimi offer pace and attacking threat from full-back, while Virgil van Dijk remains the commanding presence at the heart of defence. He is partnered by Pacho, whose composure and physical strength drew plaudits throughout the season.
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma rounds off the XI following another authoritative year, producing crucial saves in high-pressure matches and reinforcing his reputation among the world’s elite goalkeepers.
Meanwhile, Luis Enrique was named The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2025, following a landmark campaign that reshaped Paris Saint-Germain’s history.
The Spanish coach guided PSG to their first-ever UEFA Champions League title, sealed emphatically with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the final. Domestically, his side was equally ruthless, sweeping Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the Trophee des Champions.
PSG also impressed on the global stage. Although they finished runners-up at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup™, their journey to the final featured a series of eye-catching performances, including standout victories over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Luis Enrique’s achievements over the season included winning the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France and the 2024 Trophee des Champions, finishing second at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and being named the 2024/25 UNFP Ligue 1 Manager of the Year.
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