Spain’s dominance of world football was rubber stamped at The Best awards in London, with a remarkable nine La Roja stars across FIFA’s Men’s and Women’s Teams of the Year for 2025. The women’s side, European and World champions, unsurprisingly claimed a staggering seven of the eleven spots, while two Spanish talents made the cut in a men’s XI packed with PSG’s Champions League winners.
The men’s team is led by FIFA Best winner Ousmane Dembele, who’s joined by his Paris Saint Germain teammates Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha. That quintet were the backbone of the French side’s historic quadruple. They’re alongside the youthful brilliance of Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Pedri, and the midfield majesty of Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and veterans Virgil van Dijk and Willian Pacho complete a formidable-looking side on paper.
It’s the Spanish women’s selection that truly tells a story of a golden generation, however. From Hannah Hampton in goal to Alexia Putellas in attack, the lineup reads like a who’s who of the side that’s swept all before them. “It’s a recognition of the work of an entire group,” said midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati, one of the seven Spaniards selected. “These individual awards, they come because we are a team that wins together.”
The club breakdown underscores PSG’s phenomenal year. Their five representatives in the men’s team is more than any other side, a fitting tribute to a near perfect campaign under Luis Enrique. Barcelona, with Yamal and Pedri, are next best with two. For the women, Barcelona Femení’s domination is clear, supplying the core of the Spanish national side’s success.
The selections underline a shifting power dynamic. While the men’s team features global stars from across Europe’s top leagues, the women’s XI is a near monopoly for Spain’s all conquering national side. It sets a daunting benchmark for rivals across both games, and for the Spanish men’s team themselves, who will look to translate their club form into international glory at next year’s World Cup. For now, it’s a night that confirms Spanish football, from Barcelona to the national stadium, is setting the standard.
