The debate for the best XI in the world is as fierce as ever. We’ve looked beyond the trophy count, focusing on consistency, influence and pure ability to deliver when it matters most. Here’s the official Score 90 World XI for 2025.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG / Italy)
In recent years, the debate for the top goalkeeper in the world has often come down to Donnarumma, Courtois or Alisson. This season, the Italian edges it.
He was flawless in the big moments, especially in the decisive win over Liverpool. His command of the box, reflex saves and confidence under pressure are unmatched. He’s been a huge reason PSG’s defensive record has been so strong.
In a year where fine margins decided trophies, Donnarumma made the difference.
Honourable mention: Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid / Belgium)
Right-back: Achraf Hakimi (PSG / Morocco)
Hakimi’s influence on PSG’s game plan cannot be overstated. Whether it’s his explosive overlaps, ability to create from deep or the constant threat he poses in transition, he is a nightmare for opposition full-backs and wingers alike. He combines the technical ability of an attacking midfielder with the work rate of a defensive stalwart. PSG simply do not play the same without him.
Honourable mention: Jules Kounde (Barcelona / France)
Centre-backs: Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool / Netherlands) & Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal / Brazil)
Van Dijk is back to his imperious best. Dominant in the air, unbeatable one on one and calm in possession, he is the defensive rock that Liverpool have built around. At 33, he’s proving that experience and positioning can keep you at the very top.
Gabriel has been a story of consistency and big moments. While Saliba may well edge him ability-wise, Gabriel delivered when it mattered most, scoring crucial goals and showing leadership in Arsenal’s title push. His physical presence, combined with improved distribution has made him one of the most complete defenders.
Honourable mentions: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter / Italy) & William Saliba (Arsenal / France)
Left-back: Nuno Mendes (PSG / Portugal)
When fit, there’s no left-back in the world like him. Mendes brings relentless pace, quality delivery and superb defensive awareness. He’s as important to PSG’s build-up play as Hakimi, offering a balanced width and creativity whilst also locking down his flank defensively. This past season he’s been one of the most consistent players in world football.
Honourable mention: Alejandro Balde (Barcelona/Spain)
Midfielders: Vitinha (PSG / Portugal), Pedri (Barcelona / Spain) & Fede Valverde (Real Madrid / Uruguay)
Vitinha is PSG’s metronome. His ability to dictate tempo, find pockets of space and break lines with his passing is elite. He is not just a tidy midfielder, he’s a controlling presence who ensures PSG dominate midfield battles.
Pedri, when fit, is the best midfielder in the world. His vision, composure and intelligence make him a level above. Barcelona’s attacking flow depends heavily on him. Pedri’s ability to make the right decision in any situation is unmatched.
Valverde is Real Madrid’s heartbeat. Whether playing as a box-to-box midfielder or covering at right-back, his work rate, athleticism and technique shine. Even in a season without silverware, his consistency was remarkable.
Honourable mentions: Fabian Ruiz (PSG / Spain) & Joao Neves (PSG / Portugal)
Right winger: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Still a teenager, Yamal has already established himself as one of the best wingers in the world. He’s not just hype – he’s delivering consistently on the biggest stage. We’re used to seeing young Spanish wingers breakthrough with incredible dribbling and an ability to beat defenders one on one, but it is Yamal’s composure in the final third that sets him apart.
Honourable mention: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool / Egypt)
Striker: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid / France)
Even without winning major silverware this season, Mbappe remains the most dangerous player in world football. After a slow start at Real Madrid, he shifted into another gear and began scoring as freely as he was always expected to. His pace, finishing and ability to decide matches single-handedly make him an easy choice here.
Honourable mention: Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona / Poland)
Left winger: Ousmane Dembele (PSG / France)
Dembele has enjoyed arguably the best season of his career. While PSG’s recent success has been built on a collective effort, Dembele’s individual brilliance has shone through time and again. His creativity, unpredictability and ability to perform in the big games have firmly established Dembele as the best winger in the world at this moment in time.
