Mohamed Salah, Raphinha And More: PFSN’s Alternate World XI In Aftermath of FIFA’s Best Men’s Team of 2025 Lineup

After FIFA announced The Best Men’s 11 lineup at The Best FIFA Awards earlier on Tuesday, a host of fans have expressed their shock with the selections. While some argued Mohamed Salah should have been included, some fought the case for Raphinha.

So, PFSN has decided to create an alternative 2025 World XI of men’s soccer players.

Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker (Liverpool and Brazil)

Alisson Becker proved his worth between the sticks for Liverpool last campaign, helping his side win the Premier League title. Apart from registering nine shutouts in 29 league games in the 2024-25 season, he also made headlines in the UEFA Champions League. The 33-year-old made nine saves during a European knockout clash at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Defender: Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal and Brazil)

Gabriel Magalhaes established himself as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the world with his brilliant performances for Arsenal last season. The 27-year-old helped the Gunners finish second in the Premier League and reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last term. He registered five goals and three assists in 42 overall appearances for his club.

Defender: Jules Kounde (Barcelona and France)

Jules Kounde continued to impress at right-back for Barcelona last season. The 27-year-old Frenchman played over 4,400 minutes for his side, spread across 53 total appearances. His consistent displays were vital to the Blaugrana’s domestic treble in the 2024-25 term as he contributed a respectable four goals and eight assists for his club.

Defender: Marc Cucurella (Chelsea and Spain)

Marc Cucurella carried his great 2024 UEFA European Championship form over to the 2024-25 season for Chelsea. The 27-year-old Spanish left-back was an ever-present figure for his side last term, recording seven goals and four assists in 54 overall matches. He also helped the Blues win the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League in 2025.

READ MORE: Who Were the Winners at the 2025 The Best FIFA Awards?

Midfielder: Moises Caicedo (Chelsea and Ecuador)

Moises Caicedo performed at the highest level in a defensive midfield role for Chelsea in the 2024-25 season, guiding his side to two trophies. The 24-year-old’s combative presence at the heart of their midfield elevated the Blues’ performances, contributing two goals and six assists in 50 appearances across all competitions along the way.

Midfielder: Declan Rice (Arsenal and England)

Declan Rice popped up as one of Arsenal’s most important players last campaign, operating in a relentless box-to-box midfield role. The 26-year-old Englishman scored nine goals and provided 10 assists in 52 games in all competitions for the Gunners. His two free-kick goals against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals were a highlight.

Midfielder: Scott McTominay (Napoli and Scotland)

Scott McTominay emerged as a surprise talisman for Napoli in the 2024-25 campaign after leaving Manchester United in the summer of 2024. The 29-year-old influenced matches for Gli Azzurri with his dynamism in midfield, leading his team to their fourth Serie A title. The Scotland international registered 13 goals and six assists in 36 total club games.

Winger: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool and Egypt)

Mohamed Salah broke a number of records in the Premier League last season as he guided Liverpool to their 20th top-flight league title. The 33-year-old contributed a record 47 goal involvements in the league last term, making 38 appearances. Overall, the Egyptian winger registered 34 goals and 23 assists in 52 total appearances for the Merseyside outfit.

Winger: Raphinha (Barcelona and Brazil)

Raphinha relished an excellent season for Barcelona in the 2024-25 campaign, being crucial to his club’s treble win. The 29-year-old found the back of the net 34 times and contributed 26 assists in 57 games across competitions for the Blaugrana. His directness in a left-sided wing role also helped Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski flourish in their positions.

READ MORE: Lionel Messi’s Top 3 The Best FIFA Men’s Player Picks Surfaces

Striker: Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid and France)

Kylian Mbappe enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign for Real Madrid last season after leaving PSG on a Bosman move in July 2024. The 26-year-old won the European Golden Boot after scoring 31 goals in 34 league games for Los Blancos last term. He also helped his new club emerge victorious in the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in 2024.

Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich and England)

Harry Kane showed that he is aging like fine wine with his clinical performances for Bayern Munich last season. The 32-year-old Englishman lifted the first trophy of his career with the Bavarians, winning the 2024-25 Bundesliga title. He bagged 41 goals in 51 overall matches for his club last campaign, providing 14 assists to his club teammates as well.

Who All Were Named in FIFA’s The Best Men’s 11 Lineup?

The Best FIFA Men’s 11: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Manchester City, Italy), Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool, Netherlands), Willian Pacho (PSG, Ecuador), Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, England), Vitinha (PSG, Portugal), Pedri (Barcelona, Spain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain) and Ousmane Dembele (PSG, France)