Real Madrid: Mbappé Shines as Sole Representative in IFFHS Team

Kylian Mbappé continues to carve out his personal legend, even as his club navigates a turbulent season. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) has unveiled its eagerly anticipated Men’s World Team for 2025, and the French forward has secured a prominent spot. Positioned on the left flank of this virtual lineup, Mbappé’s remarkable consistency has been acknowledged by statisticians who have tracked his performance throughout the year. This accolade underscores a stellar 2025 for the French captain, during which he has single-handedly propelled his team forward, matching records set by Cristiano Ronaldo along the way.

However, this recognition also highlights a stark reality for Real Madrid, which is conspicuously less represented than in previous years. Observing the lineup, it becomes evident that Mbappé stands alone as the club’s sole ambassador in this prestigious selection. Unlike past editions that often showcased a robust contingent of Madrid players, the 2025 iteration primarily celebrates individual brilliance, with Mbappé at its center.

Mbappé: The Lone Star of Real Madrid

As the only representative from Real Madrid in this elite squad, Mbappé’s solitary status raises eyebrows among observers accustomed to seeing a more extensive Madrid presence. Notably absent are teammates like Vinícius Júnior, who has had standout moments, and Jude Bellingham, whose recent positional changes may have affected his visibility. This absence reinforces the notion that Mbappé is currently the undeniable driving force behind Madrid’s sporting ambitions.

In this all-star formation, he finds himself flanked by familiar faces from his time at Paris Saint-Germain. The defensive line features Achraf Hakimi on the right and Nuno Mendes on the left, while Vitinha anchors the midfield and Gianluigi Donnarumma guards the net. These connections serve as a reminder of his illustrious past but do little to diminish his current status with Los Blancos. Despite having no immediate teammates accompanying him in this recognition, Mbappé’s influence remains global and undiminished.

An Explosive Attack

The offensive lineup surrounding Mbappé is nothing short of formidable. The IFFHS has opted for an ultra-offensive formation that includes two of the world’s most prolific scorers: England’s Harry Kane and Norway’s Erling Haaland. Together with Mbappé, this trio boasts over 150 goals in 2025 alone—a staggering testament to their attacking prowess.

Completing this attacking quartet is Ousmane Dembélé, another former teammate of Mbappé. This setup not only highlights the versatility of the Real Madrid star but also positions him in a hybrid role that allows for dynamic movement around focal points like Kane and Haaland. Despite fierce competition from strikers at Manchester City and Bayern Munich, Mbappé continues to assert himself as an undisputed leader in goal-scoring.

The emergence of young Spanish talents is another critical takeaway from this all-star selection. With players like Pedri and Lamine Yamal making their mark in midfield, it’s clear that La Liga‘s competitive landscape is evolving rapidly. Yamal particularly symbolizes a creativity that has sometimes been lacking at Real Madrid this season.

For Mbappé, being named in this elite eleven serves as both an achievement and a motivator. While individual accolades are significant, he remains focused on collective goals such as winning the Ballon d’Or and securing titles with his club. His presence in this lineup sends a clear message across Europe as he gears up for upcoming challenges in 2026—no matter who shares the pitch with him or what system is employed, Kylian Mbappé’s name will always be among the first written down when discussing the world’s best players.