November 4 – What matters more to players? The praise of critics, pundits, journalists, and PR campaigns, or recognition from fellow players?
While the FIFPRO Men’s World 11 might not have the glitz and glamour of the Ballon d’Or, it has over 20,000 professionals from 68 countries voting for the footballers they felt were truly the best in 2025.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated the lineup, with five players earning spots, after their treble-winning campaign. Gianluigi Donnarumma ,Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Ousmane Dembélé showed just how deep the Parisians’ talent runs.
Meanwhile, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest-ever player named to the World 11 at just 18, breaking Kylian Mbappé’s record from 2018.
Despite having his record eclipsed, Mbappé earned his sixth selection, while Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk continued to underline his world-class consistency, making the team for the fifth time. Cole Palmer’s debut nod, along with Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham, made sure England was not shut out of the celebration.
Yamal’s teammate, Pedri rounded out the 11 best players in the world as voted for by the players in an attacking 3-4-3 formation.
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City, Italy)
Defenders
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands)
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco)
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal)
Forwards
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)