Lamine Yamal and Pedri in The Best XI
Lamine Yamal and Pedri have both been named in the FIFA The Best World XI, recognition of the impact the two FC Barcelona players continue to have at the highest level. Wearing numbers 10 and 8 respectively, they are central figures in Barça’s performances, which tend to look very different when they are on the pitch together. And they were not the only Barça players honoured by FIFA, either, with six others included in the women’s XI, where Aitana also won The Best award.
Pedri and Lamine Yamal have been key contributors to the strong results under Hansi Flick. Pedri provides control, balance and tempo in midfield, while Lamine adds pace, creativity and unpredictability in the final third. Their contrasting profiles complement each other, and together they give Barça a clear attacking identity.
Top last season
It is unusual for either player to miss a game. Last season, both played important roles in Barça’s domestic treble, with the Spanish Super Cup, Copa del Rey and LaLiga all secured over the course of a highly successful campaign. They also reached the UEFA Nations League final with Spain.
Pedri made 59 appearances, more than any other Barça player. As well as his influence in possession, he contributed defensively and finished the season among the squad’s leading ball recoverers.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, featured in 55 matches, making him the fourth most-used player in the team. His direct running, dribbling ability and attacking confidence caused constant problems for opposing defences. He also continued to rewrite the record books, becoming the youngest goalscorer in LaLiga, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup, among several other milestones.
This is the second consecutive year that Lamine Yamal has been included in the The Best World XI. In 2024 he was Barça’s only representative, while this year Pedri joins him on his first appearance.
At 23 and 18 years old respectively, Pedri and Lamine Yamal remain at an early stage of their careers, but they already represent both the present and future of FC Barcelona. As the club looks to set the pace again in LaLiga and compete among Europe’s elite in the Champions League in 2025/26, the influence of this world class duo will once again be central to their ambitions.