The FIFPRO 2025 Men’s World 11 has been officially revealed, celebrating the standout footballers who defined the past season across global competitions. Selected by more than 26,000 professional players from 68 countries, the list honors those who delivered elite performances between July 2024 and August 2025. Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the most dominant club representation, boasting five players in the lineup, while 18-year-old Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest player ever to feature in the prestigious World 11.
PSG’s Unmatched Representation in the World 11
Paris Saint-Germain’s golden era under manager Luis Enrique reached new heights in 2025 as five PSG players were named in the World 11. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembélé all earned places in the squad following their club’s treble-winning campaign in France and Europe.
Donnarumma, who has cemented his status as one of the best goalkeepers in world football, received widespread praise for his reflex saves and commanding presence during PSG’s UEFA Champions League triumph. In defense, Hakimi and Mendes contributed to both ends of the pitch, combining defensive resilience with attacking flair.
Midfielder Vitinha earned his first-ever selection after orchestrating PSG’s midfield with composure, creativity, and tactical intelligence. On the right wing, Dembélé’s electric pace and dribbling ability earned him plaudits as one of Europe’s most unplayable wide men. This unprecedented dominance underlines PSG’s transformation into a European powerhouse with depth, consistency, and star quality across all lines.
Lamine Yamal Makes History as Youngest Ever
At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal has become the youngest player in history to make the FIFPRO Men’s World 11. The Spanish prodigy’s inclusion marks a milestone moment not only for Barcelona but also for the next generation of footballers. Yamal, who burst onto the scene with dazzling performances for both club and country, topped the outfield voting category—a testament to his rapid rise and global recognition.
Yamal’s vision, composure, and fearlessness against seasoned defenders have made him a symbol of the sport’s future. In his debut season as a full starter at Barcelona, he recorded double figures in goals and assists while leading Spain to the Euro 2024 final. His selection signals a generational shift, where youth and skill now command the same respect as experience and legacy.
Star Power and Familiar Faces
The 2025 World 11 blends rising stars with established greats. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s stalwart defender, made his fifth appearance, solidifying his legacy as one of the most consistent center-backs of his era. His leadership and aerial dominance continue to define Liverpool’s defense, even as the club transitions under new management.
Jude Bellingham, representing Real Madrid, maintained his meteoric form, guiding his team through another impressive Champions League campaign. His box-to-box dynamism, leadership, and scoring ability have made him one of the most influential midfielders in modern football.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea also made his debut in the FIFPRO World 11 after an extraordinary breakout season in the Premier League. The young Englishman led his team in goals and assists, delivering match-winning performances that helped re-establish Chelsea as a top-four contender. His inclusion reflects the new wave of English talent making global impact.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé, now PSG’s captain, received yet another selection following another stellar year. His goal-scoring consistency and ability to perform in decisive matches reaffirmed his status among the sport’s elite. Alongside Pedri, who continues to command Barcelona’s midfield with maturity beyond his years, this World 11 reflects both continuity and evolution in global football excellence.
The Surprise Omissions
While the list celebrates excellence, it also sparked debate among fans and analysts. Notable omissions included Barcelona’s Raphinha and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, both of whom enjoyed strong seasons statistically but missed out on final votes. Salah, in particular, has long been a fixture in the World 11 conversation, and his exclusion for 2025 underscores the competitive nature of modern football, where even elite performances may fall short amid global voting dynamics.
The absence of Manchester City players also drew attention, marking a rare year where the reigning English champions were unrepresented despite another dominant Premier League campaign. FIFPRO’s voting system, based on peer recognition, emphasizes individual brilliance over club trophies, explaining the wide distribution of honorees.
The Power of Player Voting
What makes the FIFPRO World 11 unique is that it is voted for by the players themselves. More than 26,000 professional footballers from across six continents participated in the selection process, offering a rare, insider perspective on the year’s best performers. Players vote for peers they believe displayed exceptional skill, leadership, and impact within the evaluation period.
This democratic approach lends the FIFPRO World 11 credibility that transcends fan biases and media narratives. Being recognized by fellow professionals carries a distinct honor—one that reflects respect, admiration, and acknowledgment within the global football community.
The Symbolism of PSG’s Dominance
PSG’s dominance in the 2025 FIFPRO World 11 speaks volumes about the club’s evolution. Once criticized for relying on individual brilliance, the Parisian giants now boast a balanced, tactically astute squad built on unity and consistency. Their five-player representation equals the all-time record for the most from a single club, previously held by Real Madrid during their peak Champions League era.
This milestone highlights PSG’s strategic investment in youth, tactical innovation, and a stable core of world-class talent. It also signals the end of an era where dominance belonged solely to Spanish giants, ushering in a new chapter for French football on the global stage.
A Glimpse into the Future
The 2025 Men’s World 11 is more than a list—it’s a reflection of football’s future direction. The emergence of Yamal and Palmer alongside veterans like Van Dijk and Mbappé illustrates how generational change is reshaping the sport. The blending of youth and experience points to a future where adaptability, versatility, and creativity define success more than ever before.
As the next football season approaches, eyes will remain on these eleven stars to see whether they can sustain their excellence and redefine what it means to be among the world’s best. The inclusion of new names shows the ever-evolving nature of the game, where rising stars can quickly join—and even surpass—the established elite.
The FIFPRO 2025 Men’s World 11 captures the dynamic transformation of global football—where youth meets experience, and new powerhouses challenge old dynasties. PSG’s five-player representation reflects their dominance, while Yamal’s historic selection cements his place as football’s next global superstar.
As the debate over omissions and inclusions continues, one truth remains clear: the FIFPRO World 11 is the ultimate peer acknowledgment of excellence. For every player named, it stands as proof that football remains a game of evolution, inspiration, and endless dreams.
