25

The official Champions League team of the season for 2025/26 has been unveiled, and it comes as little surprise that newly crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain dominate the selection.

Following another remarkable UEFA Champions League campaign, UEFA’s Technical Observer Group has named the standout performers who lit up Europe’s premier club competition. The final Champions League team of the season reflects a tournament defined by PSG’s rise to European supremacy, Arsenal’s impressive run to the final, and Bayern Munich’s continued ability to produce world-class performers.

With five PSG stars included in the XI, the selection underlines just how dominant Luis Enrique’s side were throughout their successful title defense.

PSG Lead the Champions League Team of the Season

No club is better represented in the Champions League team of the season than Paris Saint-Germain.

The French giants successfully retained the Champions League title after defeating Arsenal in the final and became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to win back-to-back European crowns.

Their dominance is reflected in the selection of five players.

Captain Marquinhos anchors the defense after another season of leadership and consistency at the heart of PSG’s back line. Alongside him is Nuno Mendes, whose performances at left-back combined defensive reliability with attacking quality.

In midfield, Vitinha earns a deserved place after orchestrating PSG’s play throughout the competition. His influence was particularly evident in the final, where he delivered a Player of the Match performance.

On the left side of midfield, Player of the Season Khvicha Kvaratskhelia takes his place after producing moments of brilliance throughout the campaign.

Completing PSG’s representation in the Champions League team of the season is Ousmane Dembélé, whose goals and creativity proved crucial during the knockout stages.

Arsenal’s European Progress Rewarded

Although Arsenal fell short in the final, their journey to Budapest showcased significant progress under manager Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners have three representatives in the Champions League team of the season, highlighting their consistency throughout the competition.

Goalkeeper David Raya earns the number-one spot after producing a series of outstanding performances. Raya’s shot-stopping ability and composure in possession were key factors behind Arsenal’s run to the final.

Defender Gabriel Magalhães also makes the team after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most dependable central defenders.

Midfield powerhouse Declan Rice completes Arsenal’s trio. Rice delivered another exceptional European campaign, combining defensive excellence with leadership and attacking contributions.

Their inclusion in the Champions League team of the season reflects Arsenal’s emergence as genuine contenders on the European stage.

Bayern Munich Continue to Produce Elite Talent

Despite falling short of the final, Bayern Munich still contributed two players to UEFA’s best XI.

One of the standout performers was Michael Olise. The winger enjoyed a breakthrough Champions League campaign, regularly troubling defenders with his pace, creativity, and technical ability.

Up front, veteran striker Harry Kane earns his place after another prolific season in front of goal. Kane continued to demonstrate why he remains one of the world’s most complete forwards, delivering goals at crucial moments throughout Bayern’s European campaign.

Their selection reinforces Bayern’s status as one of Europe’s most consistent clubs, even in seasons where ultimate success proves elusive.

Marcos Llorente Represents Atletico Madrid

The final place in the Champions League team of the season goes to Marcos Llorente of Atlético Madrid.

Llorente’s versatility once again proved invaluable for Diego Simeone’s side. Whether operating as a full-back, wing-back, or midfielder, he consistently delivered high-level performances throughout the tournament.

His energy, work rate, and tactical intelligence earned recognition from UEFA’s technical observers and secured his place among Europe’s elite performers.

A Champions League Team of the Season Built on Balance and Excellence

One of the most striking features of the Champions League team of the season is its balance.

The selected XI combines defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower. Raya provides security in goal, while the defensive unit of Llorente, Marquinhos, Gabriel, and Mendes offers both defensive strength and attacking support.

The midfield quartet of Olise, Rice, Vitinha, and Kvaratskhelia blends creativity with control. Each player brings a different quality, creating a well-rounded unit capable of dominating possession and creating chances.

Meanwhile, Dembélé and Kane provide the goals and attacking movement required to complete the lineup.

The result is a Champions League team of the season that reflects both individual brilliance and collective success.

Why PSG’s Dominated the Champions League Team of the Season

The heavy PSG presence in the Champions League team of the season highlights the transformation that has taken place under Luis Enrique.

For years, PSG relied heavily on superstar individuals to chase European glory. However, the current squad has embraced a more collective approach, emphasizing teamwork, tactical discipline, and shared responsibility.

That philosophy has now produced consecutive Champions League titles and widespread recognition across Europe.

The inclusion of five PSG players is not simply a reward for winning the trophy. It reflects the fact that many of the tournament’s best performances came from members of Luis Enrique’s squad.

Their dominance in UEFA’s official selection confirms what many observers have been saying throughout the season: PSG are currently the benchmark for excellence in European club football.

Looking Ahead to Next Season

The release of the Champions League team of the season inevitably sparks discussion about what lies ahead.

Can PSG continue their dominance and challenge for a third consecutive title? Will Arsenal take the final step and convert their progress into European glory? Can Bayern Munich and Atlético Madrid reassert themselves among the continent’s elite?

These questions will begin to be answered when the 2026/27 Champions League campaign kicks off.

For now, however, UEFA’s official Champions League team of the season serves as a celebration of the players who defined another memorable year of European football.

From Vitinha’s midfield mastery to Kvaratskhelia’s creativity, from Rice’s leadership to Kane’s goalscoring excellence, these stars delivered performances worthy of recognition.

Their achievements helped shape one of the most competitive and entertaining Champions League seasons in recent memory, ensuring their places among the competition’s finest performers.