Paris Saint-Germain emerged as the biggest winners as world football’s governing body, FIFA, officially unveiled the 2025 editions of The Best Men’s and Women’s 11, honouring players who delivered exceptional performances across club and international competitions over the past season.
The announcement was made on Tuesday night at a glittering awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, bringing together players, coaches, administrators and football stakeholders from around the world.
The selections highlighted a season defined by dominance from PSG on the men’s side, while Spain and England asserted their authority in women’s football.
The men’s World XI was heavily influenced by Paris Saint-Germain’s remarkable campaign, which saw the French giants lift their first-ever UEFA Champions League title and reach the final of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Six players with PSG ties were included in the final lineup, underlining the club’s influence on global football during the assessment period.
Leading the selection was goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose commanding performances throughout the season earned him a place between the posts, despite his subsequent move to Manchester City.
He was joined in defence by Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, whose attacking contributions from the flanks were central to PSG’s success, alongside Willian Pacho and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
In midfield, the balance of creativity and control was provided by Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri and Jude Bellingham.
Palmer’s inclusion followed his standout displays at the Club World Cup, where he claimed the Adidas Golden Ball, while Bellingham and Pedri continued to impress with consistent elite-level performances.
Up front, Ousmane Dembélé, who capped his outstanding season by winning the 2025 FIFA Best Men’s Player award, was paired with teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
The 18-year-old Spaniard’s meteoric rise and match-winning displays earned him a deserved place among the world’s elite.
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 (2025):
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal
FIFA confirmed that the men’s team was selected based on performances recorded between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025.
Voting combined the opinions of football experts and registered fans worldwide, with each group accounting for half of the final decision.
In the women’s category, the 2025 Best XI reflected the growing strength of European women’s football, with Spain and England accounting for all eleven players selected.
The honours followed a fiercely competitive year, highlighted by the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 final between the two nations and Arsenal’s victory over Barcelona in the Women’s Champions League final.
England’s Hannah Hampton was named goalkeeper after a season of commanding displays, while the defensive line featured a blend of leadership and technical quality, including Lucy Bronze and Leah Williamson alongside Spain’s Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle.
Midfield honours went to Spain’s trio of Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro and Claudia Pina, all of whom played pivotal roles for club and country.
Bonmatí, in particular, continued her reign as one of the most influential players in the women’s game.
The attacking line combined experience and flair, with Alexia Putellas and Mariona Caldentey joined by England forward Alessia Russo, whose goals and work rate proved decisive in major tournaments.
The Best FIFA Women’s 11 (2025):
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro, Claudia Pina
Forwards: Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey
FIFA said the women’s team was selected using the same criteria and voting process as the men’s, with players assessed on their overall influence and consistency at both club and international levels.
The 2025 Best XI announcements capped a season that showcased emerging young stars, sustained excellence from established names, and the growing global appeal of both the men’s and women’s games.
