As 2025 comes to a close, ProSports presents its Football Team of the Year, featuring the players whose performances defined the season across Europe’s biggest leagues and international competitions.
Here’s the 2025 Football team of the year:
Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Manchester City)
Gianluigi Donnarumma continued to solidify his status among the world’s best goalkeepers in 2025. After transferring to Manchester City, he consistently delivered match‑saving stops in the Premier League and Champions League.
His superb form throughout the year was recognized when he won the 2025 Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper, his second time earning the honor. His leadership and clutch performances provided a dependable last line of defence for City.
Centre Back – Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal)
Gabriel had a standout year anchoring Arsenal’s defense. He returned strongly from injury and made crucial contributions at both ends of the pitch, including scoring key goals that helped secure vital wins in the Premier League title race. His leadership at the back and aerial threat on set pieces were pivotal in Arsenal’s domestic campaign.
Centre Back – Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Alessandro Bastoni continued to be Inter Milan’s defensive lynchpin in 2025. Known for his tactical intelligence, composure on the ball, and ability to break up attacks, he played a central role as Inter competed on both Serie A and European fronts, consistently marshaling his backline with calm authority.
Centre Back – Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Even as Liverpool navigated a period of transition, Virgil van Dijk remained one of the league’s most reliable defenders in 2025. His aerial dominance, leadership, and ability to read the game helped the Reds stay competitive in key fixtures. His inclusion in several high‑profile best‑player lists reflects his enduring impact at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
Central Midfield – Pedri (FC Barcelona)
Pedri’s creativity and vision were once again standout features of Barcelona’s midfield this year. His ability to control tempo, unlock defenses with incisive passing, and contribute crucial link‑up play made him an indispensable part of Barcelona’s tactical setup. His performances helped the club maintain its competitiveness across domestic and European competitions.
Central Midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Declan Rice delivered arguably his best season yet in 2025, dominating the midfield for Arsenal with both defensive grit and forward thrust. His influence was especially pronounced in Arsenal’s deep Champions League run, including key goals in the quarter‑finals, cementing his status as one of Europe’s premier box‑to‑box midfielders.
Central Midfield – Vitinha (Paris Saint‑Germain)
Vitinha emerged as PSG’s midfield metronome this season, combining tactical awareness, creativity, and goal contributions. In a memorable performance, he scored a hat‑trick in a high‑scoring Champions League clash, further demonstrating his evolving role as a decisive contributor. His consistency in controlling the midfield helped PSG sustain pressure in top European fixtures.
Left Wing – Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé’s first full season at Real Madrid was spectacular. The French forward finished 2025 with record‑breaking goal numbers, including hitting his 50th Champions League goal for the club and consistently lifting Real Madrid in crucial matches with clinical finishing and blistering pace. His contributions solidified his place among the world’s elite attackers.
Striker – Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Erling Haaland was once again one of the most prolific strikers in Europe in 2025. He continued scoring at a remarkable rate, adding Premier League and Champions League goals that helped carry Manchester City through a demanding campaign. By year’s end, Haaland had reached significant scoring milestones, including becoming the fastest player to 100 Premier League goals in history.
Striker – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Harry Kane enjoyed a landmark year with Bayern Munich, continuing his reputation as one of the world’s most complete forwards. In the 2024‑25 season, he finished as Bundesliga Player of the Season and top scorer, leading Bayern to a league title.
In 2025, he also hit notable scoring records and continued to top goal involvement charts, underpinning Bayern’s domestic and European ambitions.
Right Wing – Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
Raphinha had one of the most impressive seasons of his career in 2025. The Brazilian winger was named LaLiga Player of the Season, contributing 34 goals and 25 assists across all competitions and playing a pivotal role in Barcelona securing a domestic treble.
He also excelled in the Champions League, scoring 13 goals and regularly terrorizing defences with his skill and creativity.
