The Ligue 1 Team of the Season for EA Sports FC 25 has apparently been leaked ahead of its official reveal. The leaked image (above) shows a star-studded squad of the best performers in France’s top flight for the 2024–25 season, with PSG dominating the selection after a title-winning campaign. The official TOTS is scheduled to be released on Friday at 19:00 CEST, which aligns with EA’s announced Team of the Season schedule. Below, we verify each player featured in the leak and recap their real-world league performance this season – including key stats like goals, assists, clean sheets, and standout moments that earned them a spot in the TOTS.
Willian Pacho (CB, Paris Saint-Germain)
A newcomer to PSG’s squad, Willian Pacho proved to be a fantastic defensive reinforcement and arguably one of the league’s top center-backs this season. The 23-year-old Ecuadorian was a summer signing and “a very successful transfer” for PSG, as he “improved them massively” in defense. Pacho slotted in seamlessly next to Marquinhos, bringing a calm presence and excellent distribution from the back. In fact, his passing statistics were elite – Pacho completed about 95% of his passes, averaging over 80 passes per game from his center-back position. This ability to play out from the back helped PSG dominate possession in most matches. Defensively, Pacho was rock-solid: strong in the air and quick across the ground, he often snuffed out opposition attacks before they became dangerous.
Nuno Mendes (LB, Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG’s left-back Nuno Mendes continued to impress and stake his claim as one of the best young full-backs in the world. Still only 22, Mendes was a key part of a PSG defense that allowed a league-low 26 goals. He combined his defensive duties with impactful contributions going forward. Mendes recorded 2 assists in 20 league matches before a minor injury sidelined him briefly, and even scored a goal early in the campaign. His pace and overlapping runs were a constant outlet for PSG’s attack – while Dembélé and Barcola terrorized defenses up front, Mendes often provided the width and final ball on the left. Defensively, his recovery speed and timing in tackles made him very tough to beat 1v1. PSG keeping so many clean sheets (as noted, the best defensive record in the division) is partly credited to Mendes locking down the left side.
Jonathan Clauss (RB, Olympique Marseille)
For the second year running, Jonathan Clauss established himself as one of Ligue 1’s top full-backs. The Marseille right-back delivered 3 goals and 7 assists from wide areas, providing constant width and service on the flank. Clauss is known for his engine and crossing ability, and this season was no different – he sent in countless dangerous balls, with seven of them leading directly to goals (one of the highest assist tallies among defenders). Defensively, he held his own as well, helping Marseille secure a number of clean sheets, especially in the first half of the season when they were in the top three. While Achraf Hakimi is arguably the best RB in the league on talent, EA has “continued to snub him” in promotions, which opened the door for Clauss’s TOTS spot. In any case, Clauss would have likely made the squad as a bench choice regardless, given his offensive output. He scored a few important goals too – including a free-kick against Le Havre and a late equalizer versus Toulouse. Clauss’s consistent production (three goals, seven assists) made him a standout wing-back and earned him his place in the TOTS.
Marquinhos (CB, Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG’s captain Marquinhos marshaled the best defense in Ligue 1 this season and brings veteran leadership to the Team of the Season. Paris Saint-Germain only conceded 26 goals in 28 matches at one point – by far the stingiest record in the league – and Marquinhos was at the heart of that defensive unit. The Brazilian center-back’s experience was invaluable in an otherwise youthful back line for PSG. Statistically, Marquinhos contributed to a high number of clean sheets (PSG kept well over a dozen shutouts) and he also scored a couple of goals from set pieces. While some argued that his young teammate Willian Pacho might have had an equal shout for TOTS, “a Ligue 1 TOTS without Marquinhos just would not seem right,” given his status. He brings consistency and big-game prowess; for example, Marquinhos put in a man-of-the-match display in PSG’s 0–0 draw away at Lyon and scored a header in a 2–1 win over Lens early in the season. His name carries weight, and rightly so – Marquinhos’s combination of defensive reliability and leadership helped PSG cruise to the title, making him a fixture in the season’s Best XI.
Denis Zakaria (CDM, AS Monaco)
Swiss international Denis Zakaria quietly had a very effective season for Monaco as a holding midfielder. He provided crucial defensive cover for Monaco’s back line and also chipped in with goals when needed. Zakaria scored 4 goals in Ligue 1, which equals his most prolific season ever, and also added a couple of assists. His physicality and ball-winning skills allowed Monaco’s more attacking players to flourish. Zakaria’s importance was often highlighted in big games – for example, he scored in both fixtures against Nice, showing a knack for stepping up in derby matches. Off the ball, he was among the league’s top midfielders in interceptions and duels won, consistently disrupting opponents’ play. Monaco may have had an up-and-down campaign, but Zakaria’s steady performances kept them in contention for Europe for most of the year. He is also a player who regularly finds himself in TOTS conversations due to his balanced skill set. In 2024–25, his blend of defensive solidity and timely goals make his inclusion in the Ligue 1 TOTS well-earned.
Andrey Santos (CM, RC Strasbourg Alsace)
On loan from Chelsea, Andrey Santos became the heartbeat of Strasbourg’s midfield and one of the league’s standout youngsters. The 20-year-old Brazilian midfielder recorded 9 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1 – an outstanding return from midfield. Santos had a slow start adapting to a new league, but after the new year he caught fire and Strasbourg’s fortunes rose with him. He not only contributed goals (making well-timed runs into the box and even scoring a few headers), but also served as the team’s primary playmaker at times. Impressively, he was made Strasbourg’s captain during the season, a rare responsibility for such a young loanee. Under his leadership, Strasbourg went on a strong run of form post-January, climbing out of the relegation zone into a comfortable mid-table position.
Corentin Tolisso (CM, Olympique Lyonnais)
World Cup winner Corentin Tolisso had a resurgent season back at Lyon, rediscovering some of his best form to help steady a young OL squad. Tolisso scored 6 goals and added 2 assists in Ligue 1, his highest goal tally in a league season since 2016–17. In fact, those 6 goals tie his second-best scoring season ever in Ligue 1, indicating a real uptick in his offensive output. Often deployed as the experienced head in a midfield full of youth, Tolisso provided leadership by example. He was Lyon’s captain and led by contributing in all phases: spraying passes from midfield, making late runs into the box (which led to several of his goals), and helping defensively.
Pierre-Emile Højbjerg (CM, Olympique Marseille)
Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, on loan at Marseille from Tottenham, was an instrumental defensive midfielder for OM. He registered 2 goals and 3 assists in 25 league appearances, but his value went far beyond the stats. Højbjerg acted as the midfield general, shielding Marseille’s defense and orchestrating play from deep. With his high work rate and intelligent positioning, he led the league in some defensive metrics – at one point, he was noted as the player with the most touches in the league (over 900) early in the season, reflecting his central role in Marseille’s build-up play. Højbjerg formed a formidable partnership with Rabiot in midfield; the duo gave Marseille stability and grit. He averaged about 2 tackles per game and often broke up opposition attacks before they became dangerous. Højbjerg also showed leadership, wearing the captain’s armband in several matches. His few goal contributions came in handy (including a rare long-range strike in a win over Montpellier), but it’s his consistency and defensive excellence that secured him a spot in the TOTS.
Adrien Rabiot (CM, Olympique Marseille)
Returning to France after years abroad, Adrien Rabiot became a cornerstone of Marseille’s midfield this season. The 29-year-old France international contributed 6 goals and 2 assists in Ligue 1, a solid haul from central midfield, while also bringing balance and experience to OM’s side. Rabiot’s performances were consistently strong – he often dictated play from a box-to-box role and popped up with important goals. For instance, he scored a late winner in a tight game against Rennes and a brace in a 4–0 win that boosted Marseille’s push for a Champions League spot. Statistically, this was one of Rabiot’s best scoring seasons of his career. His tally of 6 goals in Ligue 1 is only slightly behind the 8 he scored in Serie A last year, showing he maintained his offensive impact. Beyond numbers, Rabiot’s physical presence and ball-carrying helped Marseille control many midfield battles. His return to Ligue 1 proved fruitful as he helped lead Marseille to a strong 3rd-place finish, and his all-around contributions earned him a deserved place in the TOTS.
João Neves (CM, Paris Saint-Germain)
19-year-old João Neves made a massive impact in his debut season in France after signing from Benfica. The Portuguese starlet quickly became a regular starter in PSG’s midfield, delivering 3 goals and 8 assists in league play. Those 11 goal contributions are remarkable for a teenager and “prove this choice for TOTS,” as one analysis put it. Neves brought creativity and composure to PSG’s engine room – his vision and final ball often unlocked stubborn defenses, evidenced by his assist tally. He also showed a willingness to do the dirty work defensively, tallying 55 tackles, which puts him up among the top defenders in that statistic. Perhaps most impressively, Neves frequently rose to the occasion in big matches despite his age – for instance, scoring a goal in PSG’s away win at Marseille that virtually sealed the title. Many are already hailing him as one of PSG’s best signings in years. By season’s end, João Neves was arguably the best young midfielder in Ligue 1, making him an obvious inclusion in Team of the Season.
Vitinha (CM, Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG’s Portuguese midfielder Vitinha was the engine of the champions’ midfield, contributing both in possession and attack. He scored 4 league goals and added a handful of assists (reports indicate around 3 assists) in the 2024–25 season. More importantly, Vitinha “controlled games and was magnificent in Ligue 1,” dictating the tempo for PSG’s dominant campaign. His technique and work rate allowed PSG to boss midfield battles almost every week. Vitinha often set the tone with his passing range – switching play, playing incisive balls between the lines – and he wasn’t afraid to shoot from distance, scoring a couple of long-range stunners. While his raw stats (perhaps ~7 goal contributions) were modest compared to some attackers, his influence was evident in nearly every PSG victory. He also improved defensively, contributing a healthy number of recoveries and pressing the opposition relentlessly. As a result, Vitinha’s all-round excellence, though harder to quantify, was crucial to PSG’s success and justifies his spot in the TOTS as one of the league’s top midfielders.
Maghnes Akliouche (Wing/AM, AS Monaco)
Monaco’s 21-year-old winger/attacking midfielder Maghnes Akliouche enjoyed a breakthrough season, making a case as one of Ligue 1’s top young prospects. He recorded 4 goals and 8 assists during the campaign, numbers that underscore his impact in the Monégasque attack. Akliouche alternated between the flanks and a playmaker role, using his agility and close control to unlock defenses. In a season where Monaco’s usual stars had ups and downs, Akliouche’s consistency stood out. He was especially influential in the spring, where he had a run of games with either a goal or assist in almost every match. His 8 assists highlight his creative ability – he was often the provider for striker Breel Embolo or fellow youngster Eliesse Ben Seghir. Statistically, Akliouche’s output (4 goals, 8 assists) was on par with the best young wingers in the league, which gave him the edge in TOTS selections over similar contenders. His inclusion recognizes his growth into a pivotal player for Monaco this year.
Evann Guessand (ST, OGC Nice)
Evann Guessand was a surprise package for Nice, turning into the club’s go-to striker and carrying them in the race for Europe. The 22-year-old French forward tallied 11 goals and 7 assists in Ligue 1 – an impressive return that made him one of the league’s most productive attackers outside PSG. Guessand’s contributions often came at crucial times: he was responsible for multiple winning goals and was involved in nearly every positive attacking move for Nice. His ability to both finish chances and set up teammates (as reflected by his seven assists) showed a well-rounded game. Nice spent much of the season hovering around the European qualification spots, and it was largely due to Guessand’s emergence as an attacking leader. As one analysis noted, he “got 11 goals and 7 assists… carrying [Nice] for a European spot.” Such a standout season for a mid-table side earned Guessand his spot in the Ligue 1 TOTS ahead of more established names.
Rayan Cherki (CAM/wing, Olympique Lyonnais)
Lyon’s playmaker Rayan Cherki blossomed into the creative leader for his team this season. Still only 21, Cherki scored 8 goals and provided 9 assists in Ligue 1, often serving as the main spark in Lyon’s attack. He played across the frontline – sometimes on the right, sometimes centrally – and was a constant menace with his dribbling flair and vision. Despite Lyon’s early struggles in the season, Cherki’s form in the second half was instrumental in their resurgence up the table. He delivered in big moments, including a couple of spectacular long-range goals and a memorable solo effort that clinched a win in the Derby du Rhône. By season’s end, he had become “the leader of Lyon,” and at least partly fueled their late push for a European spot. With 8 goals and 9 assists to his name, Cherki’s output speaks for itself, and his consistently threatening performances earned him a well-deserved place in the TOTS.
Bradley Barcola (LW, Paris Saint-Germain)
21-year-old Bradley Barcola enjoyed a breakout season at PSG, emerging as a key attacking threat on the left wing. Barcola registered 13 goals and 9 assists in Ligue 1, extraordinary numbers for a young player in his first full campaign with the Parisian club. With Mbappé’s departure last summer and Neymar long gone, Barcola seized the opportunity and “really took off” this year. His direct dribbling and link-up play with Dembélé made PSG’s attack very dynamic. Barcola scored several crucial goals – including late winners in tight games – and frequently set up teammates with his accurate crosses and cut-backs. His tally of 22 goal contributions means he walked into the TOTS “just like many other PSG players” after they dominated the division again. At just 22, Barcola is now viewed as one of the brightest young talents in Ligue 1, and his performances this season fully merit his inclusion.
Jonathan David (ST, Lille OSC)
Canadian striker Jonathan David once again proved to be Lille’s reliable goal-getter. He scored 14 league goals and provided 3 assists for Lille this season, maintaining his reputation as one of Ligue 1’s most consistent scorers. David’s pace and clever movement spearheaded Lille’s attack – he often stretched defenses and was lethal on the counter. While Lille didn’t challenge for the title, David’s goals kept them competitive for European places. Notably, he hit a rich vein of form in the winter, with a run of game-winning goals that solidified Lille’s top-half position. This is not David’s first inclusion in a TOTS; in fact, he “always gets TOTS” due to his consistent performances, as one analysis noted. His 2024–25 output, though slightly below his previous season’s tally, was still strong enough to justify a spot among the league’s elite once again.
Ousmane Dembélé (RW, Paris Saint-Germain)
PSG’s winger Ousmane Dembélé had a phenomenal 2024–25 Ligue 1 season, stepping up as the club’s attacking talisman in the absence of Kylian Mbappé . Dembélé finished as the league’s top scorer with 21 goals, adding 5 assists in 26 appearances. Not typically known for prolific finishing in past years, he transformed into a consistent match-winner – even netting a hat-trick at one point. Dembélé’s explosive pace and improved end product drove PSG’s offense; he regularly tormented defenders on the right flank and delivered in big games. His contributions were central to PSG clinching the title (they led the league by a wide margin), and he was widely regarded as the Player of the Season in France. Such a dominant campaign even sparked outside talk of Ballon d’Or contention, cementing Dembélé’s place in the TOTS.
