From contenders to icons: 10 players making their World 11 debut in 2025

The FIFPRO Men's World 11 and FIFPRO Women's World 11 teams for 2025 feature an exciting new wave of talent, with 10 footballers earning their place among the world’s best for the very first time.

Voted in by their peers, these debutants stood out during the 2024/25 season through exceptional performances at both club and international level – achievements that have now etched their names into World 11 history.

The FIFPRO World 11 is football’s only global award voted exclusively by players – an honour by footballers, for footballers.

Ousmane Dembele 

Position: Forward
Age: 28
Country: France

At long last, Ousmane Dembele delivered the season his immense talent had always promised. The French winger became the talisman of PSG’s treble-winning campaign, combining breathtaking pace and technical flair with newfound maturity and consistency.

Dembele finished as Ligue 1’s top scorer (21 goals) and PSG’s leading marksman in the Champions League (8 goals). He also netted the only goal in the 2024 Trophée des Champions against Monaco. Crowned Ballon d’Or winner, Champions League Player of the Season, and Ligue 1 Player of the Year, Dembele finally fulfilled his potential – and in doing so, became the face of PSG’s golden era.

Hannah Hampton 

Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 24
Country: England

Being named Player of the Match in the EURO 2025 final says everything about Hannah Hampton’s influence. With two penalty saves in the decisive shootout, Hampton sealed England’s title and silenced any lingering doubts about her ability to succeed Mary Earps.

Her performances throughout the tournament were exceptional: six games filled with reflex saves, composure, and command. She also stopped two penalties in the quarter-final win over Sweden, earning her place in the Team of the Tournament.

At club level, Hampton completed a stunning treble with Chelsea – winning the Women’s Super League, FA Cup, and League Cup – cementing her status as one of Europe’s standout goalkeepers.

Lamine Yamal 

Position: Forward
Age: 18
Country: Spain 

Just one fact captures the magnitude of Lamine Yamal’s remarkable debut in the FIFPRO World 11: he is the youngest player in history to be named to the team of the year. The 18-year-old has quickly become one of the most electrifying talents in world football, celebrated for his dazzling dribbling, explosive pace, fearless style, and ability to deliver in decisive moments.

In a standout campaign, he finished as La Liga’s top assist provider (13) and ranked sixth in combined goals and assists (22 total, with 9 goals). He was instrumental in every clash against Real Madrid, scoring twice in La Liga, contributing two assists in the Copa del Rey final victory, and finding the net again in the 5–2 triumph in the Spanish Super Cup final.

His performances earned him a place in both the La Liga and Champions League Teams of the Season, as well as prestigious individual honours such as the Kopa Trophy and the Laureus World Sports Award for Best Newcomer of the Year.

Ghizlane Chebbak 

Position: Midfielder
Age: 35
Country: Morocco 

As her remarkable playing journey drew toward its final chapters, Ghizlane Chebbak made history by becoming only the second African footballer ever to earn a place in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11. The attacking midfielder was instrumental in Morocco’s run to the 2024 African Women’s Cup of Nations final, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with five goals and earning a place in the Team of the Tournament.

In mid-2024, the Moroccan captain made further history by becoming the first player from her country to transfer from a local club to a European side, joining Levante Badalona in Spain. She now continues her career with Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia.

Vitinha 

Position: Midfielder
Age: 25
Country: Portugal

“He has every quality you could ask for in a midfielder,” said coach Luis Enrique about Vitinha. Enrique’s tactical reshaping of the team placed the Portuguese playmaker deeper, giving him full command of the rhythm and tempo. From that position, Vitinha dictated games with poise and precision, knowing when to accelerate, pause, or strike decisively.

He finished as the player with the most completed passes in the Champions League (1,308), boasting an outstanding 93.5 percent accuracy rate – the best among midfielders who played more than 10 matches. Internationally, he won the UEFA Nations League with Portugal and was named in the Team of the Tournament for the Champions League, Ligue 1-UNFP, and Club World Cup. To cap it off, he finished third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting, cementing his rise among Europe’s finest midfielders.

Chloe Kelly 

Position: Forward
Age: 27
Country: England

Chloe Kelly remains one of the Lionesses’ most beloved and charismatic figures – a player whose confidence and flair embody the spirit of this golden generation. Her 2025 story began with uncertainty when Manchester City chose not to renew her contract, but a dramatic January move to Arsenal reignited her season. From there, Kelly flourished once again.

At the EURO, she was a difference-maker: delivering two pinpoint assists to spark England’s comeback from 0-2 down against Sweden in the quarter-final, scoring the extra-time winner against Italy in the semi-final, and coolly converting the decisive penalty in the final shootout. Named in the EURO Team of the Tournament, Kelly capped a year defined by resilience, creativity, and clutch performances.

Pedri 

Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Country: Spain 

The Barcelona playmaker, renowned for his exceptional technique and vision, enjoyed a standout season as the Catalan side captured multiple trophies: La Liga, Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup. He also reached the Champions League semi-finals and helped Spain finish as runners-up in the UEFA Nations League.

In La Liga, Pedri ranked among the leaders in nearly every key metric for passing, possession, and attacking build-up, recording the most progressive passes per 90 minutes (11.25) during the 2024/25 season. His consistency and creativity earned him a well-deserved place in the La Liga Team of the Season.

Ona Batlle 

Position: Defender
Age: 26
Country: Spain 

After narrowly missing out in 2024 – when she reached the final shortlist but fell just short of selection – Ona Batlle finally makes her debut in the FIFPRO Women's World 11 following an outstanding season in which she lifted three trophies: the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, and Spanish Super Cup. The Barcelona full-back also finished as a runner-up in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Quick in attack, physically strong, and technically assured, she stands out for her versatility, able to perform confidently on both flanks. Her consistency and impact were further recognised with inclusion in the Liga F Team of the Season.

Nuno Mendes 

Position: Defender
Age: 23
Country: Portugal 

It’s impossible to look back on Paris Saint-Germain’s remarkable season without highlighting the influence of Nuno Mendes at left-back. The Portuguese defender was not only a constant attacking threat – with his explosive pace, penetrating runs, and precise deliveries – but also a formidable presence defensively, showcasing impressive balance between flair and solidity. In the Champions League, he ranked second overall for interceptions (30) and was the highest-scoring pure defender (4 goals), tied with team-mate Achraf Hakimi.

His outstanding performances were recognised with several individual honours: Best Player of the UEFA Nations League Finals (as Portugal lifted the trophy), and inclusion in the Team of the Season for the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, and Ligue 1 (as awarded by French player union UNFP).

Cole Palmer 

Position: Midfielder
Age: 23
Country: England 

Cole Palmer's first-ever inclusion in the FIFPRO Men's World 11 crowns an unforgettable season for the Chelsea star, adding another accolade to a year defined by success and decisive performances. The Englishman played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumphs at the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, earning Man of the Match honours in both finals.

His outstanding display at the Club World Cup – where he registered two assists and three goals, including a brace in the final against PSG – also earned him the tournament’s Golden Ball. His consistency throughout the campaign saw him named in both the Club World Cup and Conference League Teams of the Tournament, while he was also recognised domestically as the Premier League Player of the Season at the London Football Awards.