Helio del Busto, licensed football coach and sports analyst, reviews the players who have shaped the season through collective play, individual brilliance and decisive performances, and highlights a Champions League match that showcased football at its best.
Talents shaping their teams’ success
Players like Dembélé, Lamine, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Palmer, Fabián, Pedri, Raphinha, Donnarumma, Doué, Salah and Achraf immediately catch my attention. They stand out not only for their talent, but because they have played for the team, helping their clubs win. That is the difference compared to other great players who, despite their quality, did not deliver the collective football needed to be decisive this season.
Choosing the best among so much quality is difficult. Each of them offers spectacular football in a different way. I want to highlight seven players from Luis Enrique’s side, because Paris were worthy champions this season, with an outstanding campaign and a brilliant final against Inter — the same Inter who had knocked Barcelona out.
Two names deserve special recognition: Dembélé and Lamine. They are exceptional talents.
Palmer, Vitinha, Fabián and other players who raise the standard
Cole Palmer, from Chelsea, has proven to be a remarkable talent. In the Club World Cup final, he produced a memorable performance. Even with Nuno Mendes marking him, his role as a right-sided attacking midfielder — acting as a false winger — was decisive. He scored two superb goals and a third that was ruled out by VAR. A top-level display.
He had already impressed in the Euro final against Spain, coming off the bench to score the equaliser with a fantastic long-range shot before Odriozola secured Spain’s win. Palmer’s quality was evident even then.
Vitinha and Fabián have had outstanding seasons with Paris and with their national teams.
Vitinha, once rejected by Benfica for being “too thin”, is now everywhere on the pitch — quick, intelligent and decisive. Fabián brings strength, technique and goals, and has everything required to succeed at any major club.
- Pedri remains one of the greatest young talents in the world.
- Raphinha had a brilliant, decisive season.
- Achraf, the Paris right-back, is an extraordinary athlete: he attacks with power, scores goals (eleven this season) and returns to defend at top speed.
Not all top players met expectations. Among the most notable cases are Haaland, Courtois, Rodrygo, Guirassy, Vinicius, Bellingham, Oblak, Nico Williams, and others affected by injuries, especially Rodri and Carvajal.
A Champions League match that showcased great football
I want to highlight the Champions League match between Paris and Barcelona.
Both teams had played attractive football the previous season: Paris ended up as European champions, and Barcelona were eliminated by Inter in a demanding tie.
This match was a chance to assess their current level. It delivered everything expected: quality, intensity, attacking football and a scoreline that remained uncertain until the final whistle. Either team could have won.
It is remarkable what Luis Enrique has built, especially with a midfield led by Vitinha and Fabián, two of the best in the world. Paris imposed themselves and confirmed their strength.
One of the best duels of the night was between Lamine and Nuno Mendes. The Portuguese full-back is, in my opinion, the best in the world in his position, and Lamine is an extraordinary young player. They produced an outstanding display.
The best goal of the round was scored by Mayulu, from Paris.
The action started with a brilliant run from Nuno Mendes and an exceptional, perfectly weighted pass that required strength, precision and timing to beat the defenders. Mayulu controlled the ball, feinted and finished with great mastery — a difficult goal executed perfectly.
Licensed football coach and sports analyst