At FUTFC.gg, we believe a Team of the Year should walk the line between awarding footballing excellence and acknowledging the reality of FC 26. We want cards that are valid in-game but earned on the pitch.
This year, we have taken a bold stance. With EA reclassifying attackers like Lamine Yamal and Raphinha as Midfielders for this vote, we have opted for an all-out offensive midfield. Why pick a defensive holder when you can have three world-class creators who actually dominated 2025?
We also have to acknowledge the elephant in the room. PSG finally conquered Europe in 2025, lifting the Champions League trophy. That dominance is reflected heavily in our defensive picks.
Here are our picks for the Men’s and Women’s Team of the Year.
Men’s TOTY XI
GK Gianluigi Donnarumma (Man City)
He secured his big summer move to the Premier League after finally proving himself as Europe’s best shot-stopper. In FC 26, his massive frame and reach make him the only keeper you truly want guarding your net.
LB Nuno Mendes (PSG)
A Champions League winner who was electrifying down the left flank all year. He offers that rare mix of defensive recovery speed and winger-like dribbling that makes him the perfect overlapping fullback in FC.
CB Gabriel (Arsenal)
The rock of the Premier League and arguably the best pure defender in England during 2025. His physical presence translates perfectly into the game as a brute-force defender who wins every tackle.
CB Willian Pacho (PSG)
The breakout star of PSG’s European triumph. His transition speed has been a revelation this year, making him a “sweeper” CB dream for anyone playing a high defensive line in FC 26.
RB Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)
Simply the most consistent right-back in La Liga who locks down wingers in real life. His defensive AI in-game is consistently one of the smartest available, making him a safe and meta pick.
MID Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
He remade himself as a creative engine in 2025 and is eligible as a Midfielder this year. This is a “must-pick” loophole that gives you elite attacker stats in a CM slot.
MID Vitinha (PSG)
The architect behind PSG’s Champions League victory. He controlled games in 2025 with incredible accuracy, and in FC 26 he is the perfect nimble playmaker to weave through the press.
MID Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
The global phenomenon had a sublime 2024/25 season. Putting him in midfield is a cheat code that allows you to fit another 5-star skiller into your lineup without sacrificing chemistry.
LW Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Frustratingly brilliant, but he turned up when it mattered to bring the UCL trophy to Paris. In FC, his double 5-star capability makes him arguably the most dangerous winger on this entire list.
ST Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Needs no introduction. He remains the best striker in the world and the most broken card in the game. You simply cannot leave him out of a TOTY vote.
ST Erling Haaland (Man City)
The goal machine who continues to break records. While he isn’t a dribbler, his 2025 goal tally makes him undeniable. If you need a finisher who bullies defenders, he is the only choice.
Women’s TOTY XI
GK Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Cemented herself as England’s #1 during the 2025 campaign. She is currently the most reliable keeper in the women’s game and a solid pick for any squad.
LB Selma Bacha (Lyon)
The assist queen from deep. Her crossing ability in 2025 was a cheat code for Lyon, and her “Whipped Pass” playstyle remains one of the most lethal mechanics in FC 26.
CB Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
Leading from the back during a massive year for Arsenal and England. She brings an elite passing range to the CB position that few others can match in the game.
CB Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit)
The NWSL revelation whose transition from forward to elite defender peaked in 2025. She is fast, strong, and creates a unique link for anyone building NWSL hybrids.
RB Ellie Carpenter (Lyon)
The engine that never stops. Her recovery pace in 2025 saved Lyon countless times, making her the best anti-counter-attack fullback in the vote.
MID Aitana Bonmatí (FC Barcelona)
The Ballon d’Or standard who dictated world football in 2025. In-game, her dribbling is arguably the smoothest of any card, male or female.
MID Alexia Putellas (FC Barcelona)
She returned to her absolute peak in 2025, scoring clutch goals in big finals. A total midfielder who can defend, pass, and finish with equal elite quality.
MID Patri Guijarro (FC Barcelona)
The unsung hero who makes the other two shine. If you want a midfielder who intercepts everything and starts attacks, Patri was the world’s best at it this year.
LW Melchie Dumornay (Lyon)
The most exciting young player on the planet in 2025. Her blend of raw pace and power makes her a nightmare to defend against in FC 26.
ST Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
A massive year for club and country. She showed up in the biggest moments of 2025, deserving her spot as the lethal finisher of this XI.
RW Caroline Graham Hansen (FC Barcelona)
The best pure winger in the world. Her 1v1 ability is unmatched, and her “Trickster” playstyle in FC 26 makes her indispensable on the flank.
Do you agree with our “Offensive Midfield” strategy?
Head over to the voting page now and lock in your XI before the deadline! Let’s make sure the community vote reflects the players we actually want to use in FC 26.
