As the UEFA Nations League approaches its decisive final group-stage games, a recent fantasy draft has highlighted some of Europe’s most impactful players. The competition is heating up, with eight top European teams set to advance to two-legged quarterfinals scheduled for March. The semifinals and final will then take place in June 2027.
The draft showcased a blend of established superstars and emerging talents, all of whom have been instrumental for their clubs and national teams.
Attacking Prowess
Leading the line in this fantasy selection are some of football’s most prolific forwards. Spain and Barcelona‘s Lamine Yamal, a 19-year-old World Cup winner, has been in sensational form, netting 10 goals in 11 La Liga games this season. He also scored four times in four matches for Spain during the September/October international window, including a crucial goal against England in a 3-2 Nations League group-stage victory at Wembley.
England captain Harry Kane, a Ballon d’Or winner, continues to impress for Bayern Munich and his country. He has six goals in four Nations League matches for the Three Lions, demonstrating his dual threat as both a creator and a finisher.
Real Madrid and France superstar Kylian Mbappé was also a prominent pick, recognised as one of the most lethal finishers globally. He became the first player in over half a century to score double-digit goals at a World Cup and has outscored many peers at club level this season with 16 strikes for Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League.
Norway’s Erling Haaland, who plays for Manchester City, adds another formidable presence upfront. He has three goals in the Nations League and 13 goals for Manchester City across all competitions this season. Haaland is already Norway’s all-time leading scorer, with an impressive 65 goals in 59 international matches.
Midfield and Defence Anchors
Beyond the goalscorers, the draft also recognised key figures in midfield and defence. France’s Michael Olise, from Bayern Munich, was highlighted as a pivotal player for Les Bleus, having been his country’s best performer at the World Cup. Under new France manager Zinedine Zidane, he has continued his strong form with four goals in four matches.
Jude Bellingham, a driving force for England and Real Madrid, was also selected. He has contributed five goals in four Nations League matches and recorded seven goals and one assist at the World Cup. This season, he has seven goal contributions for Real Madrid, showcasing his consistent impact.
In defence, Spain’s Pau Cubarsí, a 19-year-old Barcelona talent, earned recognition as a top centre-back. He anchored a Spanish defence that conceded just one goal in eight outings during their World Cup triumph. Cubarsí is also a 2024 Olympic gold medalist and a two-time La Liga champion.
Italy’s Riccardo Calafiori, who plays for Arsenal, has been magnificent this season, earning a starting spot for Italy over Federico Dimarco. He has a goal and two assists in the Premier League and recently scored his first international goal for the Azzurri against Türkiye.
Portugal’s Vitinha, a midfielder for PSG, was noted for his crucial role in PSG’s back-to-back Champions League titles and for helping Portugal win the UEFA Nations League. He also finished third in the 2025 Ballon d’Or voting.
Another Spanish midfield maestro, Pedri, was lauded for his creative abilities and his capacity to dictate Spain’s tempo and distribute the ball effectively.
These selections underscore the immense talent pool across European football as national teams battle for supremacy in the UEFA Nations League, with the ultimate prize to be decided in 2027.