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PSG dominate FIFA 2025's all‑star XI: what it says about Europe's balance of power

FIFA, according to FIFPro, announced the 2025 symbolic XI — PSG took the most places. We examine why one club concentrates so many stars and what consequences this has for the market, tactics, and Ukrainian football.

Oleg Bazylewicz

By Oleg Bazylewicz

December 16, 2025 · 1 min read

PSG dominate FIFA 2025's all‑star XI: what it says about Europe's balance of power

Briefly

FIFA has officially unveiled the 2025 world XI according to FIFPro, UNN reports, citing the organization's website. The lineup shows a noticeable concentration of players from PSG — a marker not only of the quality of individual footballers but also of broader trends in European football.

"The symbolic XI reflects the season's best players, chosen by peers and FIFPro experts."

— FIFA / FIFPro, press service

Who made the team

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma ("Manchester City", last season — "PSG").

Defense: Nuno Mendes ("PSG"), Willian Pacho ("PSG"), Achraf Hakimi ("PSG"), Virgil van Dijk ("Liverpool").

Midfield: Cole Palmer ("Chelsea"), Jude Bellingham ("Real Madrid"), Vitinha ("PSG"), Pedri ("Barcelona").

Attack: Lamine Yamal ("Barcelona"), Ousmane Dembélé ("PSG").

Separately: Argentine side Independiente defender Santiago Montiel received the Puskás Award for the best goal of 2025.

Why it matters

The concentration of players from one club in the symbolic XI is a sign of a systematic transfer and investment policy. PSG invested in strengthening its squad, which yields not only short-term results on the pitch but also long-term market influence: prices for full-backs and attacking wingers rise, and attention to academies and scouting increases.

For coaches and tactical trends this is also a signal: the styles of play that brought success to PSG will be reflected in coaching approaches in the top leagues — from pressing to quick wide attacks.

Consequences for Ukraine

This is a reminder for Ukrainian clubs and the federation: to develop competitive players, systematic investment in academies, international connections and scouting is required. At the same time, opportunities are opening for Ukrainian footballers — but the path to "elite" squads goes through regular play in strong leagues and international appearances.

Conclusion

The FIFA 2025 World XI is not just a list of stars. It is an indicator of market forces, club management priorities and trending tactics. For Ukrainian football it is both a warning and an opportunity: can we turn this challenge into a pathway for our own talents?

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May 26, 2026