The 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 has officially been unveiled, celebrating the most outstanding footballers across the globe for their exceptional performances over the past year. The prestigious announcement, made on Monday, features a mix of established stars and rising talents from some of the world’s biggest football clubs — including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Voted for by thousands of professional players worldwide, the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 remains one of the most respected and democratic awards in football. Unlike other accolades determined by journalists or committees, this honor is decided solely by players, making it a true reflection of peer recognition and admiration.
The 2025 lineup captures the essence of modern football — dynamic, youthful, and global. It combines experience with emerging brilliance, highlighting the evolution of the sport and the fresh generation taking center stage.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
In goal, Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG earned the trust of his peers with yet another year of consistency and heroics between the posts. The Italian shot-stopper, known for his commanding presence, reflex saves, and calmness under pressure, continues to be one of the most reliable figures in world football.
Since his breakthrough as a teenager at AC Milan, Donnarumma has matured into one of the finest goalkeepers of his generation. His leadership and composure have been instrumental for both PSG and the Italian national team. The 2025 recognition marks another proud moment in his illustrious career.
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes
In defense, the trio of Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), and Nuno Mendes (PSG) make up a formidable backline that reflects both experience and pace.
Van Dijk, the Dutch powerhouse, remains one of football’s most respected defenders. His physical dominance, leadership, and aerial prowess have continued to anchor Liverpool’s defense through challenging Premier League seasons. Despite new defensive stars emerging globally, Van Dijk’s consistency and professionalism keep him at the top.
Hakimi, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the most complete right-backs in modern football. His lightning pace, offensive contributions, and defensive awareness have made him indispensable for both PSG and Morocco’s national team. Whether attacking down the flank or tracking back to defend, Hakimi embodies the energy of the modern fullback.
Completing the defensive trio is young Portuguese talent Nuno Mendes, who has impressed with his overlapping runs, creativity, and defensive intelligence. His rise in both club and international football has been phenomenal, and earning a spot in the World 11 cements his status as one of the brightest left-backs in world football.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Pedri, and Vitinha
The midfield section is where youth shines brightest this year, with a group of players who represent the next generation of football superstars — Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Pedri, and Vitinha.
Jude Bellingham’s selection comes as no surprise. The Englishman has been a revelation since joining Real Madrid, dominating La Liga and the Champions League with his maturity, composure, and goal-scoring flair. At just 22, Bellingham has evolved into a complete midfielder — combining tactical intelligence, physical power, and leadership beyond his years. His inclusion in the World 11 underlines his rapid rise as one of football’s most influential figures.
Cole Palmer, Chelsea’s breakout star, is another testament to the Premier League’s emerging talent. His move from Manchester City to Chelsea has been a career-defining decision, giving him the platform to showcase his creativity, set-piece mastery, and eye for goal. Palmer’s recognition by his peers speaks volumes about his impact, consistency, and bright future in English football.
Pedri, the Barcelona maestro, continues to enchant fans and professionals alike with his technical brilliance and football intelligence. Despite battling injuries, the Spanish playmaker remains an influential figure in midfield, dictating the tempo and orchestrating play with unmatched precision. His inclusion marks yet another step in his growing legacy as one of Europe’s finest creative talents.
Vitinha, PSG’s deep-lying playmaker, rounds out the midfield. The Portuguese star’s calmness on the ball, quick transitions, and tactical vision have made him an integral part of both his club and country’s systems. Vitinha’s rise to global recognition underscores his importance in PSG’s engine room and his ability to perform at the highest level.
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal
The attacking trio for the 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 is nothing short of electrifying — Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Lamine Yamal headline an offensive line filled with flair, speed, and creativity.
Kylian Mbappé, arguably the most feared forward in the world, maintains his dominance on the global stage. The French superstar’s extraordinary pace, finishing ability, and leadership continue to define him as the face of modern football. His performances for PSG and France over the past year have solidified his reputation as one of the most complete forwards of his generation.
Ousmane Dembélé, Mbappé’s compatriot and PSG teammate, joins him in the attack after rediscovering his best form. Dembélé’s dribbling, unpredictability, and improved decision-making have seen him transform into a more mature and efficient player. His inclusion highlights his resurgence after years of inconsistency and injuries.
Completing the forward line is Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal. At just 17, Yamal’s rise has been meteoric. His confidence, skill, and composure have stunned fans and analysts alike, earning him comparisons to Lionel Messi in his early years. His selection in the World 11 at such a young age is historic and symbolic of the new generation stepping into football’s spotlight.
Recognition of Excellence
The 2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11 not only celebrates individual brilliance but also reflects football’s evolving landscape — one that increasingly values youth development, tactical versatility, and global diversity.
The voting process involves thousands of professional footballers across different continents, who select their best peers based on performances over the year. The recognition, therefore, carries immense prestige as it comes directly from those who share the pitch with the nominees.
As the football world applauds this year’s honorees, the list serves as both a reflection of the present and a preview of the sport’s future. From seasoned veterans like Van Dijk to prodigies like Yamal, the 2025 World 11 is a blend of legacy and promise — a snapshot of excellence across generations.
2025 FIFPRO Men’s World 11
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
Defenders: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Pedri (Barcelona), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Story by Africa Live News
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