Paris Saint-Germain and England are celebrating massive recognition in world football today. PSG placed five stars from their Champions League winning side in the Men's World 11. Meanwhile, Euro 2025 champions England matched that feat with five players named in the Women's team.
The prestigious FIFPRO teams, announced Monday, reflect the votes of over 26,000 professional players worldwide. This peer recognition makes these selections particularly meaningful in the football world.
Barcelona's teenage sensation Lamine Yamal made history as the youngest player ever selected for the men's team at just 18 years old. His breakthrough season has oddsmakers already listing him among favorites for future Ballon d'Or honors.
Champions League Success Propels PSG Stars
Gianluigi Donnarumma leads PSG's impressive contingent despite his summer move to Manchester City following their Champions League triumph. The Italian goalkeeper joins defenders Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha, and Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele in representing the Parisian club.
Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé also made the cut, with the latter's summer move from PSG to Madrid creating one of the most formidable attacking lineups in club football. Their inclusion suggests Real Madrid remain strong favorites for this season's Champions League.
Chelsea's Cole Palmer represents the Premier League alongside Liverpool's defensive rock Virgil van Dijk. Palmer's selection caps a remarkable rise that has transformed betting markets around Chelsea's domestic and European prospects.
England's Women Celebrate Euro Success
England's penalty shootout victory over Spain in the Euro 2025 final has been rewarded with five Lionesses making the women's team. Goalkeeper Hannah Hampton, defender Lucy Bronze, midfielder Leah Williamson, and forwards Chloe Kelly and Alessia Russo all feature.
Bronze's selection marks a record eighth appearance in the FIFPRO Women's World 11. This consistency makes her one of the most decorated players in women's football history.
Arsenal's Champions League triumph is also reflected in the selections. Kelly, Russo and Williamson were key to that success, highlighting the Gunners' emergence as a dominant force in the women's game.
African football received unprecedented recognition with two players making the women's team for the first time. Zambia's Barbra Banda earned her second selection, while Morocco's Ghizlane Chebbak made her debut appearance.
Barcelona's continued excellence in women's football is evident with three players selected – defenders Ona Batlle and midfield maestros Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas. Their continued dominance makes them clear favorites for this season's major honors.
These selections not only celebrate individual excellence but often indicate which teams are worth watching closely in upcoming tournaments. Players recognized at this level consistently deliver performances that can turn matches – something savvy observers always consider when analyzing future fixtures.
