TA selected many of the best European football players this season

As the European football season draws to a close, The Athletic's panel of industry experts has selected the best performers across Europe's major leagues outside the Premier League this campaign.

European Men's Player of the Season: Raphinha (Barcelona)

Raphinha's story stands as one of football's most inspiring this season. Once a Brazilian journeyman in Europe, he spent six years with Guimarães, Sporting CP, Rennes, and Leeds United. Last summer, Barcelona even attempted to replace him by signing Nico Williams, the Athletic Bilbao winger who helped Spain win the European Championship.

Yet today, we witness a player who has delivered a stunning campaign – 34 goals and 22 assists in 54 appearances across all competitions. Raphinha also equaled Lionel Messi's 2011-12 Barcelona record for most goal contributions in a single Champions League season (19).

At 28, the winger has emerged not just as a world-class talent but as the embodiment of work ethic. He's become integral to Europe's most prolific frontline while mastering off-ball movement. A decisive meeting with new manager Hansi Flick convinced him to reject Saudi interest and commit to Barcelona for one final push – a decision that saw him become the heartbeat of their legendary season.

European Young Player of the Season: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

Calling Yamal this season's best young player might already be an understatement. While his rise seemed inevitable, the 17-year-old's ascension to global stardom has surpassed even the most optimistic projections.

Yamal has been Barcelona's primary source of creativity and genius, with 17 goals and 20 assists in 52 games cementing his status as their talisman. But what made 2024-25 truly extraordinary were his performances on the grandest stages. Though Barça fell in the Champions League semifinals, his display against Inter Milan will be remembered for generations. He delivered decisive contributions in all four Clásico appearances this term.

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi dubbed him "a once-in-50-years talent." He's undoubtedly this season's standout youngster – though soon, that label will likely feel too restrictive.

European Manager of the Season: Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)

The paradox of managing PSG is that Ligue 1 titles are expected, leaving Champions League performance as the sole measure of success. While falling just short of surpassing their 2019-20 final appearance (lost to Bayern Munich), this PSG side has been breathtaking.

The departure of superstar forwards who once resisted defensive work has fostered remarkable cohesion. Enrique implemented his trusted 4-3-3 system while reinventing Ousmane Dembélé as a false nine. Today's PSG can high-press, dominate possession, or counterattack explosively – arguably making them Europe's most complete team this season.