(Based on the 30-player shortlist arranged into a speculative starting XI)
Forming the XI:
Goalkeeper
Gianluigi Donnarumma PSG’s standout keeper, a key nomination from the treble-winning side .
Defenders
Achraf Hakimi Dynamic PSG full-back, recognized for his pace and impact .
Virgil van Dijk Liverpool’s defensive pillar and an ever-present nominee .
Denzel Dumfries Inter Milan’s right-back, gaining recognition for both defense and drive .
Pedri Benfica-to-midfield maestro at Barça, blending creativity and poise .
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham Real Madrid’s engine room, vital box-to-box figure .
Vitinha PSG standout, linking play with precision amid their success .
Mohamed Salah Liverpool’s record-setting attacker with goals and assists galore .
Forwards
Ousmane Dembélé Front-runner for the award, PSG’s most electric attacking threat .
Lamine Yamal Barcelona’s teenage phenom, the youngest nominee with unmatched flair .
Erling Haaland Manchester City’s goal machine, a force no defense can ignore .
Lineup Visualization
Donnarumma
Hakimi Van Dijk Dumfries
Bellingham Vitinha
Pedri Salah
Dembélé Yamal Haaland
Why This XI Stands Out
It blends experience and emerging brilliance, balancing defensive solidity with youthful explosive talent.
Multiple players come from PSG’s treble-winning squad, but the inclusion of stars like Yamal, Pedri, Bellingham, and Haaland reflects broader elite performances across Europe.
It showcases global football from seasoned veterans to teenage game-changers.
Additional Context
The full 30-player shortlist includes performers like Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Scott McTominay, Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., Kane, Palmer, and more .
