Despite winning a record fourth consecutive Premier League title in May and nearly achieving a historic domestic double, only one Manchester City player made it into EA FC’s Men’s Team of the Year.
The team was chosen via a fan vote using a points system, with stars from seven different clubs included. Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Arsenal were also represented.
While there weren’t many surprises, the fact that only one player from Pep Guardiola’s squad was selected raised some eyebrows.
The main reason could be City’s sharp decline in the second half of the calendar year. They lost nine matches across all competitions before the end of 2024.
This poor run may have cost stars like Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and Phil Foden a spot in the squad.
Nevertheless, Ballon d’Or winner Rodri managed to keep his place from last year, even though he hasn’t played since September due to an ACL injury.
Manchester City stars Erling Haaland and Phil Foden missed out on places in the dream XI
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri was selected by fans despite not featuring since September after suffering an ACL injury
Real Madrid dominated the XI, with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham all included
Champions League winners Madrid dominate the side, with four of their players in the roster. Right-back Dani Carvajal, who has also missed significant time after sustaining a serious knee injury, is rewarded for his fine campaign with club and country.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham and summer signing Kylian Mbappe take up places in central midfielder and centre forward respectively.
Brazilian Vinicius Jr, who was named the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year in December after his Ballon d’Or snub in October, takes pride of place on his favoured left flank.
In stark contrast to the plight of their Premier League rivals Man City, Liverpool have been rewarded for their starling second-half of the calendar year, as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk were included for the squad.
The Dutchman, who, along with team-mates Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is out of contract at the end of the season, said: ‘It’s a great feeling to be recognised by the fans and so I’m proud and honoured to be voted in the FC 25 Team of the Year. Thank you to everyone who voted, and for your support!’
Elsewhere, Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who had more goal contributions in the Premier League in 2024 than any other player, joined Rodri and Bellingham in midfield.
Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez continued his recent stranglehold of the individual goalkeeping awards with another selection in the side. And Arsenal defender William Saliba was chosen to partner Van Dijk at the back.
Bayer Leverkusen left-back Alex Grimaldo was the final selection after playing a pivotal role for Xabi Alonso’s side as they claimed their first-ever Bundesliga title, while going unbeaten, and won the German Cup.