Discover the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 2024/25, full player selections, analysis, standout performers, and key tournament statistics.
The UEFA Champions League is the pinnacle of club football, where Europe's elite players compete for the most prestigious trophy in the game. Every season produces unforgettable moments, stunning goals, tactical masterclasses, and individual performances that define football history.
One of the most anticipated post-season announcements is the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, a selection chosen by UEFA's Technical Observer Group to recognize the tournament's best performers.
For the 2024/25 campaign, newly crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain dominated the selection after an exceptional run to their first Champions League title. Arsenal, Barcelona, and Inter Milan also had representatives included after impressive European campaigns. UEFA's final XI reflects not only statistical excellence but also consistency, influence, leadership, and impact in key moments throughout the tournament.
This guide breaks down the full UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, explains why each player was selected, and highlights the biggest stories from the competition.
What Is the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season?
The UEFA Champions League Team of the Season is selected by UEFA's Technical Observer Group, supported by UEFA's football analysis department.
The panel evaluates:
- Individual performances
- Tactical contribution
- Consistency
- Match-winning influence
- Impact in knockout rounds
- Leadership qualities
The selection is not based solely on goals and assists. Defensive contributions, tactical intelligence, and influence in major matches are also heavily considered.
UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 2024/25
Formation: 4-2-4
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Right Back | Achraf Hakimi | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Centre Back | Marquinhos | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Centre Back | Alessandro Bastoni | Inter Milan |
| Left Back | Nuno Mendes | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Midfielder | Vitinha | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Midfielder | Declan Rice | Arsenal |
| Forward | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona |
| Forward | Désiré Doué | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Ousmane Dembélé | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Forward | Raphinha | Barcelona |
The selection featured six players from Paris Saint-Germain, highlighting the French club's remarkable Champions League-winning campaign.
Goalkeeper of the Season
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Italian goalkeeper played a crucial role in PSG's journey to European glory.
Throughout the tournament, Donnarumma produced numerous decisive saves, particularly during the knockout stages. His performances against elite opposition often kept PSG alive in difficult moments.
Key strengths included:
- Shot-stopping ability
- Penalty-saving reputation
- Command of the penalty area
- Leadership under pressure
Many analysts believe his displays were among the most influential by any goalkeeper in the competition.
Defensive Line Analysis
Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi combined attacking brilliance with defensive discipline.
The Moroccan international consistently contributed:
- Goals
- Assists
- Progressive runs
- Defensive recoveries
His ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch made him one of the competition's most complete full-backs.
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
As PSG captain, Marquinhos delivered leadership and stability.
His experience proved invaluable during the knockout rounds, where defensive organization often determined outcomes.
His selection reflects:
- Defensive consistency
- Tactical awareness
- Leadership
- Ball-playing ability
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Despite Inter Milan falling short of the title, Bastoni impressed throughout the tournament.
The Italian defender stood out because of:
- Excellent positioning
- Composure in possession
- Defensive intelligence
- Distribution from the back
His inclusion demonstrates that outstanding performances are recognized even when a player's team does not win the competition.
Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
The Portuguese full-back enjoyed arguably the best European season of his career.
His pace and versatility allowed PSG to transition quickly between defense and attack.
Important qualities included:
- Speed
- Defensive reliability
- Crossing ability
- One-on-one defending
Together with Hakimi, he formed one of the strongest full-back pairings in Europe.
Midfield Leaders
Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
Vitinha emerged as one of the tournament's most influential midfielders.
The Portuguese international controlled matches through:
- Passing accuracy
- Press resistance
- Tactical intelligence
- Ball progression
His performances demonstrated why modern midfielders are judged not only by goals and assists but also by their ability to dictate the rhythm of matches.
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Rice was Arsenal's standout performer during their impressive European run.
The England international excelled in:
- Defensive coverage
- Ball recovery
- Leadership
- Progressive passing
His selection highlights Arsenal's return to the highest level of European football.
Attackers Who Defined the Competition
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
At an age when most players are still developing in youth academies, Yamal established himself among Europe's elite.
The Barcelona star dazzled fans with:
- Creativity
- Dribbling ability
- Vision
- Match-winning moments
His performances suggest he could become one of football's defining players over the next decade.
Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain)
Doué's breakthrough campaign was one of the stories of the season.
The young forward demonstrated:
- Fearlessness
- Technical quality
- Clinical finishing
- Tactical flexibility
His rapid rise made him one of the most exciting young talents in European football.
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain)
Dembélé was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season after a sensational campaign. He scored eight goals, provided six assists, and played a vital role in PSG's historic title-winning run.
According to UEFA's Technical Observer Group, his leadership, pressing, movement, and creativity were decisive throughout the tournament.
Key achievements included:
- Eight goals
- Six assists
- Consistent performances
- Outstanding knockout-stage displays
Many observers believe this was the finest season of his career.
Raphinha (Barcelona)
Raphinha delivered one of the most productive attacking campaigns in Europe.
His contributions included:
- Goals
- Assists
- Creativity
- Big-game performances
The Brazilian's consistency throughout the competition earned widespread praise and justified his inclusion in the final XI.
Why PSG Dominated the Team
The most obvious theme in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season is Paris Saint-Germain's dominance.
PSG contributed:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Achraf Hakimi
- Marquinhos
- Nuno Mendes
- Vitinha
- Désiré Doué
- Ousmane Dembélé
The club's first Champions League triumph was built on tactical balance, squad depth, and outstanding individual performances. Their representation in the Team of the Season reflects that dominance.
Biggest Selection Debates
Every Team of the Season sparks debate among supporters.
Some fans argued that players such as:
- Harry Kane
- Lautaro Martínez
- João Neves
- William Saliba
- Yann Sommer
were unlucky to miss out.
Community discussions across football platforms suggested several alternative candidates, particularly in defense and midfield.
However, UEFA's Technical Observer Group prioritized players who combined consistency with decisive contributions during the most important stages of the tournament.
Comparing With the Previous Season
The 2023/24 Team of the Season featured stars from Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain.
Key names included:
- Jude Bellingham
- Vinícius Júnior
- Harry Kane
- Dani Carvajal
- Antonio Rüdiger
The shift toward PSG dominance in 2024/25 reflects how dramatically the balance of power changed in European football over the course of a year.
What This Team Tells Us About Modern Football
Several trends emerge from this selection.
Versatility Matters
Many selected players can perform multiple roles.
Pressing Is Essential
Modern attackers are expected to contribute defensively.
Full-Backs Remain Crucial
Hakimi and Nuno Mendes demonstrate the importance of attacking full-backs.
Youth Is Thriving
Players such as Yamal and Doué show that elite young talent can immediately influence the biggest competitions.
Suggested Internal Links
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- Champions League Winners by Year
- PSG Champions League Triumph Analysis
- Ousmane Dembélé Career Statistics
- Best Champions League Finals Ever
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was named UEFA Champions League Player of the Season 2024/25?
Ousmane Dembélé won the award after helping PSG secure their first Champions League title.
Which club had the most players in the Team of the Season?
Paris Saint-Germain had six players selected in the official XI.
Who was the goalkeeper in the Team of the Season?
Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain.
Which Arsenal player made the team?
Declan Rice was selected after an outstanding European campaign.
Which Barcelona players were included?
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha both earned places in the final XI.
Final Verdict
The UEFA Champions League Team of the Season 2024/25 captures a campaign defined by Paris Saint-Germain's historic breakthrough, Barcelona's emerging stars, Arsenal's resurgence, and outstanding individual performances across Europe.
From Donnarumma's heroics in goal to Dembélé's brilliance in attack, every player selected played a decisive role in shaping the story of the tournament. Whether judged by statistics, influence, or consistency, this XI represents the very best of European club football during the 2024/25 season.
As fans look ahead to next season, the challenge for Europe's biggest stars will be to match—or surpass—the remarkable standards set by this year's Team of the Season.