Fifa unveiled their Best XI during a ceremony in Doha on Tuesday, with Paris Saint-Germain players dominating the selection.
Just three Premier League stars earned selection: Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer and Donnarumma.
The French champions, who secured the Champions League, Ligue 1 and Coupe de France treble last season, contributed four players to the lineup.
Achraf Hakimi, William Pacho and Nuno Mendes form three-quarters of the defensive line, while Gianluigi Donnarumma occupies the goalkeeper position despite his summer move to Manchester City.
Notable absentees include Erling Haaland, Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Raphinha.
Palmer’s inclusion recognises an outstanding campaign for the 23-year-old Chelsea star.
The England international netted 15 times in the Premier League during 2024-25, adding nine assists to his tally.
His performances helped Enzo Maresca’s side claim the inaugural Fifa Club World Cup, where Palmer was named the tournament’s outstanding player.
Fifa unveiled their Best XI during a ceremony in Doha on Tuesday
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The midfielder also played a crucial role in Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League triumph.
A 4-4-2 formation sees Palmer positioned on the right of midfield, alongside Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, PSG’s Vitinha and Barcelona youngster Pedri.
Ousmane Dembele and Lamine Yamal, who finished first and second in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting, lead the attack.
Palmer delivered a standout display in the Club World Cup final, scoring twice as Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 to lift the trophy.
The midfielder had earlier contributed two assists in the Conference League final, where Chelsea overcame Real Betis 4-1.
His exceptional season earned him a nomination for Fifa’s The Best Men’s Award, though Dembele ultimately claimed the main prize.
Van Dijk’s presence in the XI follows Liverpool’s Premier League title success last term, though Arne Slot’s side currently sit 10 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.
The selection was based on the year between August 2024 and August 2025.
Ousmane Dembélé has claimed the Fifa Best men’s player award | GETTY
During the ceremony, Ousmane Dembélé claimed the Fifa Best men’s player award, triumphing over Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal once more following their earlier Ballon d’Or battle.
Sarina Wiegman collected the women’s coaching honour for a fifth time following England’s second consecutive European Championship victory.
Chelsea and England’s Hannah Hampton took the women’s goalkeeping prize.
Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé and Yamal comprise the final shortlist.F
