News Focus
- Paris Saint-Germain secured their fifth consecutive Ligue 1 title but have fewer representatives in this season’s Team of the Season compared to last year’s eight selections.
- RC Lens goalkeeper Robin Risser earns a spot after an impressive debut campaign, with Premier League clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
- Veteran midfielder Adrien Thomasson completes the midfield after a career revival at Lens, though his contract expires this summer.
- The team was selected using a 4-3-3 formation based on a 50/50 split between public votes and the GFFN editorial team’s choices.
- Malang Sarr returns to prominence at Lens following his departure from Chelsea, while Willian Pacho maintains a remarkable disciplinary record for PSG.
Paris Saint-Germain have claimed their fifth straight Ligue 1 championship, yet Luis Enrique’s squad does not dominate this year’s Get French Football News Team of the Season as they did previously. Last season featured eight Parisians in the starting eleven, but RC Lens have pushed them hard in the title race this term. That challenge is reflected in the final selection, which uses a 4-3-3 system chosen by both fans and journalists.
Between the sticks sits Robin Risser of Lens. The young Frenchman joined from Strasbourg last summer and immediately claimed the number one shirt. He adapted to top-flight football without difficulty, showing comfort with the ball at his feet that suits the modern game. His displays have attracted attention from England’s Premier League, while some observers argue he deserves consideration for the national team.
At left-back, Nuno Mendes of PSG earns his place. The Portugal international has contributed six goals and seven assists this term, but his defensive work has improved greatly. He often tucks inside to form a back three when partner Achraf Hakimi attacks, providing balance for the champions.
The centre-back pairing mixes Lens and PSG talent. Malang Sarr arrived at Lens after a difficult spell at Chelsea where he rarely featured. Following the departure of several defenders, he has become a reliable force at the heart of the Lens defence. His contract ends this summer, leaving his future uncertain. Alongside him sits Willian Pacho of PSG. The Ecuadorian has played the entire league season without receiving a yellow card. Standing over six feet tall, he combines physical strength with pace and excellent passing ability.
Achraf Hakimi occupies the right-back position. The Morocco captain has produced twelve goal contributions despite injury problems, with eight of those coming in the Champions League. Warren Zaïre-Emery has filled in during his absence, but PSG lack a like-for-like replacement for the world’s finest full-back.
In midfield, Adrien Thomasson represents Lens. At thirty-two years old, the veteran has converted from an attacking role to defensive midfield, leading the league with ten assists. His contract expires at the season’s end, potentially marking a sad departure for the club.
Completing the midfield is Vitinha of PSG. The Portuguese star finished on the Ballon d’Or podium last year and has remained indispensable this season. He has played nearly every minute of the Champions League campaign and often captains the side when Marquinhos is absent. A heel injury in late April forced him to miss three matches, but he remains the engine room of Luis Enrique’s side.