Barcelona winger is youngest ever player named in prestigious squad, joining Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and European golden boot winner Kylian Mbappe in attack
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal has made history by becoming the youngest footballer ever named in the Fifpro Men’s World XI, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s previous record.
Yamal’s inclusion at 18 caps a remarkable year in which he helped Barcelona to a domestic treble, finished runner-up in the Ballon d’Or voting, and won the Kopa award for the second time in a row.
The World XI, chosen by over 20,000 professional players across the globe, recognises the standout performers of the 2024–25 season.
Yamal joins an attacking trio alongside Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. The Frenchman won the Ballon d’Or in September ahead of Yamal, while Mbappe claimed the European golden boot.
PSG dominated this year’s team with five players included: Dembele, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, and Gianluigi Donnarumma, although the latter has now joined Manchester City.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Chelsea’s Cole Palmer were also selected, while Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk featured in defence.
But there was not place for Premier League player of the year Mohamed Salah, or golden boot winner Erling Haaland.
2025 FIFPRO Men’s World XI:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Pedri (Barcelona)
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
