👑 Cream of the crop: this is Europe's team of the season
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
The 2024/25 season is nearing its conclusion. And as is customary, several awards will be handed out at the end of the season. Here's our selection of the top 11 players of the season!
Goalkeeper
Yann Sommer (Inter): Although Inter narrowly missed out on the championship last weekend, it was certainly not due to Yann Sommer in goal. Along with his teammates, the former Gladbach and Munich player formed one of the best defenses in Europe, conceding only one goal in the Champions League group stage. Sommer also stood out in the semifinals against Barcelona and can now crown his strong season in the final against PSG on Saturday.
Defense
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter): One of the aforementioned teammates is Alessandro Bastoni, who has finally made a name for himself among all football fans this season. As the backbone of Inter's defense, the Italian has frustrated countless offensive players this season.
📸 Marco Luzzani - 2025 Getty Images
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Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool FC): Although the Dutchman is now a bit older and has certainly lost some speed, hardly anyone can get past him. His passing security and heading ability - both defensively and offensively - remain unique in Europe.
Achraf Hakimi (PSG): Hakimi has already proven his skills at Inter and BVB in the past, but he has also reached a new level this season. Especially in forward movements, he was almost unstoppable this season, and his goal tally is almost comparable to that of an offensive player.
Nuno Mendes (PSG): The same applies to his congenial colleague on the left defensive side, who has scored four goals in the Champions League alone. Like Hakimi, Nuno Mendes is also a gifted defender and one of the best in Europe.
📸 Dan Istitene - 2025 Getty Images
Midfield
Joshua Kimmich (FC Bayern Munich): Bayern's midfield controller has masterfully directed the game of the Munich team throughout the season and was instrumental in winning the Bundesliga. Although he is often criticized, the numbers don't lie. Hardly anyone has played more passes, created more space, or created more chances than Kimmich.
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Scott McTominay (SSC Napoli): "A Scot comes to Naples..." - what sounds like the beginning of a joke became a reality this season and was incredibly successful. After being virtually sorted out at Manchester United, Scott McTominay moved to SSC Napoli, where he immediately became a champion and player of the season. No wonder, as he gave the midfield of coach Conte not only structure but also extreme goal danger.
📸 Francesco Pecoraro - 2025 Getty Images
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool FC): The Egyptian is aging like a good wine and is getting better year after year, even at 32. With 47 goal involvements in the past PL season, Salah is now the joint record holder - no player has ever achieved more. Simply incredible.
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Raphinha (FC Barcelona): Last summer, there were rumors about the Brazilian's departure from Barcelona, which fortunately never materialized. Instead, Raphinha played the season of his life and secured his nomination here, narrowly ahead of his colleague Lamine Yamal (who also had a world-class season).
📸 Alex Caparros - 2025 Getty Images
Attack
Ousmane Dembélé (PSG): Hardly any player has reinvented himself as well as Ousmane Dembélé in recent years. As a frequent central striker at PSG, the former Dortmund player has blossomed this season and is one of the main reasons for reaching the CL final. Who would have thought that a year ago?
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Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting): The best team of the season also includes the best striker. And that's simply the one who scored the most goals. With 54 goals in 52 games across all competitions, and always delivering in important duels, Viktor Gyökeres has won the double with Sporting. He just has to be here - there's no way around it.
📸 PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA - AFP or licensors
Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, William Saliba, Vitinha, or especially Lamine Yamal would have undoubtedly deserved a place in this top 11, but in the end, only 11 can make it. It gets even more difficult when the balance between defense and offense has to be right. After all, no team can play with five wingers, no matter how good they are.
Now it's your turn! Tell us in the comments who you think absolutely deserves a place in the best 11 of the 2024/25 season and why!
📸 Yasser Bakhsh - 2025 Getty Images
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