The International Federation of Football History and Statistics has named its European XI for 2021, with the calendar coming to an end in a few days.
IFFHS MEN’S UEFA TEAM OF THE YEAR 2021
Gianluigi DONNARUMMA (Italy/Milan AC/Paris SG)
After winning the European Championship with Italy and enjoying another remarkable season with AC Milan, Donnarumma has been rightfully chosen as the best keeper in Europe right now, and takes his place in the team of the year.
Cesar AZPILICUETA (Spain/Chelsea FC)
Chelsea’s captain, Cesar Azpilicueta has been one of the clubs most loyal servants in recent years. He had the privilege of lifting the Champions League trophy this year, and has been named as one of the defenders in the back four.
Leonardo BONUCCI (Italy/Juventus FC)
Bonucci had a remarkable Euro 2020, helping the Italy national team win the coveted trophy after 50 years. As a result, he is a member of the illustrious lineup.
Ruben DIAS (Portugal/Manchester City FC)
In his very first season in England, the Portuguese centre-back was named the FWA Player of the Year, and is one of the most easy picks in the 2021 team of the year.
Giorgio CHIELLINI (Italy/Juventus FC)
Chiellini captained Juventus and Italy with great success, and has been named as the final defender in the 2021 team of the year. The Italian continues to be a force at back, despite being well into his 30s.
JORGINHO (Italy/Chelsea FC)
The UEFA Men’s Player of the Year, Jorginho not only won the Champions League with Chelsea, but also went on to win the Euros with Italy. He would then go on to win the Super Cup, playing a vital part in all of the big wins.
Kevin DE BRUYNE (Belgium/Manchester City FC)
Kevin De Bruyne was named the PFA Player and the Year for a second time around at the end of the previous season. The Belgian continues to be one of the best ever players in the Premier League, and has made the list in midfield.
N’Golo KANTE (France/Chelsea FC)
Kante is without a doubt the best defensive midfielder in the world right now. The France international and Chelsea midfielder has been recognised for his irreplaceable performances, and completes a Premier League heavy midfield in the team of the year.
Cristiano RONALDO (Portugal/Manchester United FC)
Ronaldo has been as consistent as ever despite moving to a Manchester United team that has been struggling. The Portuguese makes the line-up after winning the Coppa Italia with Juventus and making a triumphant return to Old Trafford in the summer.
Robert LEWANDOWSKI (Poland/FC Bayern München)
Lewandowski broke two long-standing Gerd Muller records in 2021, but ended up finishing second in the Ballon d’Or rankings. He was, however, recognised as the striker of the year. The Bayern Munich number 9 is arguably the best in the world in his position right now.
Kylian MBAPPE (France/Paris SG)
Mbappe completes the front three of the team of the year, coming off a remarkable individual season in Ligue 1. The Frenchman has continued to score freely, and provide assists in every competition, and is the final member of the starting eleven.
SUBSTITUTES
Manuel NEUER (Germany)
Joao CANCELO (Portugal)
Antonio RUDIGER (Germany)
Thomas MULLER (Germany)
Bruno FERNANDES (Portugal)
Erling Braut HAALAND (Norway)
Karim BENZEMA (France)
COACH : Thomas TUCHEL (Germany)
