Paris Saint-Germain not only etched their name into history books with a 5–0 thrashing of Inter Milan in the Champions League final but also solidified their dominance across the continent with a staggering seven inclusions in UEFA’s Team of the Season. Selected by UEFA’s panel of technical observers, the final XI reflects both PSG’s imperious campaign and a refreshing emergence of new-age footballing brilliance from across Europe. This all-star selection is more than just a recognition of individual excellence—it tells the story of a season where styles clashed, stars rose, and one team conquered all.
Table of Contents
UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
Goalkeeper Greatness: Donnarumma Rediscovers His Crown
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s journey this season was one of redemption and authority. Long questioned for inconsistencies and occasional misjudgments under pressure, the Italian number one put all doubts to rest with a run of performances that blended reflexes, size, and unmatched reach.
Donnarumma made a series of saves only he can make. With clean sheets against the likes of Ederson, Alisson, and Emi Martínez, and a commanding display in the final against Yann Sommer, Donnarumma was the immovable wall behind PSG’s historic triumph.
Fortresses on the Flanks: Hakimi and Mendes
Achraf Hakimi embodied the modern full-back archetype—explosive, versatile, and always dangerous. With four goals and five assists, his attacking thrust was pivotal. His signing in 2021 was probably the first building block of the team that reigned supreme in 2025. Mirroring him on the opposite side, Nuno Mendes neutralized some of Europe’s most fearsome wingers, including Denzel Dumfries and Mohamed Salah. At just 22, his relentless energy and tactical awareness made him a cornerstone of PSG’s wing play.
Centre-Back Composure: Marquinhos and Bastoni Shine
Marquinhos provided the leadership and composure in PSG’s backline, steering a high-risk, high-reward defensive setup into a successful formula. Alongside him in the Team of the Season is Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni.
Though the final was a nightmare, Bastoni’s body of work—especially in a group stage where Inter conceded just once in eight games—cannot be overlooked. A classical Italian defender, he orchestrated a three-man defensive unit that consistently outperformed expectations, until their collapse in Munich.
Midfield Pillars: Vitinha and Rice Boss the Middle
Vitinha’s evolution this campaign saw him become PSG’s midfield metronome. His intelligence, press-resistance, and quick ball circulation gave shape to Luis Enrique’s possession-heavy style.
Alongside him, Arsenal’s Declan Rice provided a rare English highlight in an otherwise subdued season for Premier League clubs. At the fulcrum was Rice, who is maturing into a midfielder who can run a game. His defining performance came in the quarterfinal clash with Real Madrid, where he dictated tempo and broke lines with surging runs.
Explosive Attack: Dembélé Leads PSG’s Fluid Frontline
Ousmane Dembélé’s career has long been punctuated by flashes of brilliance and frustrating inconsistency. This season, under Enrique’s guidance, he became a symbol of reliability and danger.
Functioning as a false nine or an interchanging winger, his versatility allowed PSG to operate without a traditional striker. His dynamic positioning and intelligent movement made him central to their attacking identity.
Barça’s Bright Sparks: Lamine Yamal and Raphinha
Barcelona may have fallen short in the semifinals, but their wingers left lasting impressions. Lamine Yamal dazzled with blistering pace, deft dribbling, and clinical finishes. European defences had no answer to his speed and quality of finishing. At just 17, he is already performing like a seasoned pro. Raphinha, too, provided width, flair, and tireless work rate, contributing significantly during Barça’s magical run before being undone by PSG’s ruthlessness.
Doué’s Breakout Campaign
PSG’s youthful star Désiré Doué also earned his place among Europe’s elite. While not always the headline-grabber, his creativity and link-up play were crucial in unlocking stubborn defences.
His understanding with Dembélé and Yamal, rotating and interchanging with elegance, made PSG’s attack unpredictable and relentless.
UEFA’s Final Word
“We picked these attackers to reflect PSG’s outstanding movement up front, which defined their style all tournament long. This forward line shows a flexible team with players constantly rotating positions,” said UEFA’s technical team.
UEFA Champions League Team of the Season
- Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Defenders – Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Midfielders – Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Declan Rice (Arsenal)
- Forwards – Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (Barcelona)
FAQs
Who dominated the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 2024/25?
Paris Saint-Germain dominated the Team of the Season with seven players in the UEFA-selected XI.
Why was Gianluigi Donnarumma named the best goalkeeper of the tournament?
Gianluigi Donnarumma earned the spot for his game-saving performances and leadership throughout PSG’s title-winning run.
Which defenders stood out in the 2024/25 Champions League?
Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Marquinhos, and Alessandro Bastoni impressed with their solid performances and attacking contributions.
How did Declan Rice make the Team of the Season despite Arsenal’s exit?
Declan Rice stood out with dominant displays, especially against Real Madrid, showing leadership and control in midfield.
What made PSG’s attack so effective in the Champions League this season?
PSG’s flexible frontline, led by Ousmane Dembélé and Désiré Doué, overwhelmed defences with constant movement and rotation.
