Ligue 1’s 2025 Standout XI: A Paris Saint-Germain Dominated Lineup
As the year draws to a close, the customary “best of” selections begin to emerge, often focusing on the first half of the current football season. However, a more encompassing perspective considers the entire calendar year. French sports publication L’Équipe has recently unveiled its highly anticipated Best XI for Ligue 1 in 2025, and the lineup is overwhelmingly dominated by players from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Parisian powerhouse has secured an impressive nine spots in this elite selection, reflecting their significant impact on the French top flight throughout the year. The chosen PSG stars include:
- Achraf Hakimi
- Marquinhos
- Nuno Mendes
- Vitinha
- João Neves
- Fabian Ruiz
- Ousmane Dembélé
- Désiré Doué
While not explicitly named in the final XI due to his summer departure, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s contributions were also acknowledged, with the former PSG goalkeeper having made the switch to Manchester City. The only player to break the PSG stranglehold from another French club is Mason Greenwood of Olympique de Marseille, highlighting the sheer dominance of the capital club in this particular ranking.
While the intricacies of individual player selection and the subjective nature of such rankings can always spark debate, the prominence of PSG in L’Équipe‘s 2025 Ligue 1 Best XI is undeniable, given their consistently strong performances. Despite not always occupying the top spot in the league standings at the season’s outset, PSG has demonstrated remarkable resilience and quality. They have maintained a competitive pace with rivals like Lens, even with a less-than-ideal pre-season preparation. Furthermore, their successful navigation of the Champions League group stages, securing a place within the top eight, is a testament to their capabilities on the European stage. This consistent high-level performance, coupled with a distinct and impressive style of play, has solidified their position as a team featuring some of the world’s elite talents.
It is worth noting that the influence of a potential Champions League triumph, even if the selection is solely for Ligue 1, may have subtly shaped some of the choices. For instance, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s inclusion, despite a seemingly “average” Ligue 1 campaign last season, might be seen in the context of his overall impact and European performances. This contrasts with other goalkeepers who arguably shone brighter in the domestic league, such as Lucas Chevalier and Geronimo Rulli, who might have been considered for their consistent Ligue 1 form. However, the overarching narrative of PSG’s dominance in 2025 is clearly reflected in this prestigious annual selection.
