The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League has come to a close, with Paris Saint-Germain making history by capturing their first title in dominant fashion, routing Inter Milan 5–0 in the final. Following a season filled with memorable moments and standout performances, UEFA has unveiled its official Team of the Season—highlighted by the inclusion of Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, and Raphinha.
With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer in the European spotlight, new stars from across the continent’s top leagues stepped up. The squad was selected by UEFA’s Technical Observer Panel, which released the lineup on Sunday following the final in Munich.
PSG, the newly crowned European champions, lead the way with seven selections. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, center back Marquinhos, versatile right back Achraf Hakimi, left back Nuno Mendes, midfielder Vitinha, and forwards Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue all earned spots after a dominant campaign.
Beyond the PSG contingent, four other standout performers from around Europe were included. Inter Milan center back Alessandro Bastoni, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice, and Barcelona wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal round out the XI after consistently impressive displays throughout the tournament.
Doue’s electric performance in the final—scoring twice and adding an assist—earned him both the Champions League Final MVP and UEFA’s Young Player of the Tournament award. Though Lamine Yamal was widely expected to claim the youth honor, the 19-year-old PSG star sealed it with a statement game on the biggest stage.
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Notable absences from UEFA’s Best XI
While each of the selected players reached at least the semifinal stage and made a strong case for inclusion, a number of notable names were left out—prompting debate among fans and pundits alike.
Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy was perhaps the most surprising omission, having matched Raphinha as the competition’s top scorer with 13 goals. Other forwards who made a strong impression but failed to make the cut included Harry Kane, Robert Lewandowski, and Lautaro Martinez, who struggled to make an impact in the final.
Also absent from the Team of the Season were Real Madrid stars Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior. Despite strong individual performances, their quarterfinal exit at the hands of Arsenal likely cost them the collective recognition needed to earn a spot in the final XI.
