20. Fabián Ruiz (PSG & Spain)
Fabián ended the 2024 season at a career-high, by winning the Euros with Spain, in which he played magnificent football. He was one of the big revelations of the tournament, and ever since then, a new spotlight has been on him. It’s safe to say he lived up to the hype, as he was one of the key components of Luis Enrique’s treble-winning side. He bossed the midfield alongside Vitinha and João Neves and scored important goals even if that wasn’t his primary role, scoring a goal in the Champions League semifinal against Arsenal and a brace against Real Madrid in the Club World Cup semifinal.
19. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG & Italy)
The only goalkeeper managing to crack the list, Gianluigi Donnarumma, had an exceptional season, keeping 17 clean sheets and finally winning the elusive Champions League title. He provided a lot of security for PSG, especially coming into penalty shootouts. The highlights of his season were saving two penalties in the second leg of the Champions League round of sixteen at Anfield and keeping a clean sheet in the Champions League final.
18. João Neves (PSG & Portugal)
The Portuguese rising star has had a breakout first season at the Parisian club. Winning the treble as a solidified starter in Luis Enrique’s side and the Nations League with Portugal, João Neves has had the most decorated season of his career to date. João Neves transcended his youthful and energetic spirit onto the pitch, being very versatile, making restless deep runs and constantly moving on the field.
17. Denzel Dumfries (Inter & Netherlands)
Another great year for Denzel Dumfries. The Dutch defender shined throughout the whole season at right back, exploiting his offensive abilities and joining the attack. He also showed that he’s a big game player, stepping up in the most important moments of the season. For example, in the Champions League Semifinals he scored two goals and provided three assists across both legs.
16. Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP & Sweden)
Viktor Gyökeres has delivered a historic season, seeing as he scored 64 goals and provided 17 assists for club and country. He just missed out on the golden boot to Kylian Mbappé due to La Liga goals counting double and Portuguese league goals only 1.5. Nevertheless, a season in the history books which saw him win a domestic double and earn a move to the Premier League. All eyes will be on the Swede next season. Let’s see if he can adapt his game to the English topflight.
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