The selection process for the 2025 Ligue 1 Team of the Year has reached its most contentious phase: the midfield. With an extensive list of nominees encompassing deep-lying playmakers (holding players) and box-to-box dynamos (relayeurs), voters face a nearly impossible task. The criteria for inclusion range from sheer statistical output to the accumulation of silverware, creating a competitive blend of seasoned veterans, high-profile imports, and explosive young talent.
This year’s ballot, published by L’Équipe, spotlights the players who controlled the tempo, defined the tactical identity, and, crucially, contributed to their respective club’s success throughout the calendar year 2025.
The Champions’ Contingent: PSG’s Unavoidable Presence
Predictably, the list is heavily weighted toward Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), whose domestic dominance often translates directly into individual accolades. When analyzing the midfield, three names from the capital club stand out, often making the selection process for non-PSG players feel like a battle for the remaining single spot.
- Vitinha: The Trophy Collector. In a technical sense, Vitinha is arguably the most decorated nominee. His inclusion is solidified not just by domestic performance, but by his monumental year that included lifting the Champions League trophy, alongside five other major pieces of silverware in 2025. His blend of pressing efficiency and intricate passing makes him a near-certainty for the final XI.
- João Neves: The Engine. Imported to stabilize PSG’s central third, Neves quickly established himself as the team’s irreplaceable metronome. He is credited with consistently ‘running’ the PSG midfield, providing the crucial link between defense and the high-powered attack. His inclusion represents the immediate impact expected of world-class reinforcements.
- Warren Zaïre-Emery: The Young Dynamo. Still remarkably young, Zaïre-Emery’s technical maturity and physical presence have elevated him beyond the ‘prospect’ status. His nomination reflects a year of relentless energy and tactical adherence, proving he can compete and succeed against the most experienced opposition.
International Impact and Loanee Success Stories
While Ligue 1 prides itself on developing French talent, the 2025 shortlist highlights significant contributions from international players, several of whom arrived via high-profile transfers or loan deals, quickly adapting to the league’s physical demands.
Liverpool loanee Tyler Morton, impressing at Lyon, is a prime example of this phenomenon. His rapid assimilation and ability to dictate play from a deep position have made him a revelation and a strong candidate, particularly outside the PSG bubble. Similarly, the nomination of Pierre-Émile Höjbjerg at Marseille underscores the value of seasoned international experience. His commanding presence and technical discipline offered much-needed structure to OM’s central spine.
Another intriguing entry is Andrey Santos (Strasbourg/Chelsea). Often seen as a mercurial talent, his presence on the shortlist suggests that his loan spell provided the consistent game time needed to showcase his defensive aggression and forward transition skills.
The Bedrock of Consistency: Domestic Veterans and Anchors
The Ligue 1 Team of the Year cannot be defined solely by glamour and silverware; it requires recognition of the tireless workhorses who provide foundational stability for mid-table and contending clubs alike. These players are often the embodiment of consistency, eschewing spectacular goals for tactical reliability.
Benjamin André of Lille is the benchmark for this category. André’s narrative throughout 2025 has been centered around his unwavering consistency—a quality often underappreciated until a player is absent. Operating deep in midfield, his tackling efficiency and tactical intelligence remain integral to Lille’s competitive standing.
Likewise, Pierre Lees-Melou (Brest/Paris FC) and Mahdi Camara (Brest/Rennes) feature prominently, nominated for their critical role in fueling surprise performances. These anchors provide the stability that allows others to flourish. Their inclusion is a quiet technical nod to performance stability over raw headline statistics. For example, Adrien Thomasson (Lens) secured his place with a contribution of one goal and five assists, a testament to his essential role as a creative *relayeur* rather than a primary scorer.
The Final Verdict: Who Makes the XI?
The shortlist is broad, featuring over 20 names, including high-profile players like Fabian Ruiz (PSG), Adrien Rabiot (Marseille/AC Milan), and Denis Zakaria (Monaco). The ultimate composition of the Ligue 1 Team of the Year midfield will likely favor a 4-3-3 formation, requiring three selections (one holding, two *relayeurs*), or two selections for a 4-4-2 setup.
Given the weight of both individual performance and team success, it is statistically improbable to exclude PSG’s dominant core. Vitinha’s trophy haul makes him undeniable. The second slot will be heavily contested between the youthful energy of Neves/Zaïre-Emery and the necessary experience provided by André or Höjbjerg. While the technical sophistication of players like Morton and Thomasson deserves recognition, the political and performance reality suggests the final XI will reflect the league’s established hierarchy. Voters must now decide whether to reward individual brilliance or the consistency of the tactical engine room.
