Selecting Tackle From Behind’s Writers Team of the Year for 2025 was never going to be straightforward. When you gather a room full of opinionated football writers, each with their own biases, tactical preferences, and deeply held convictions about what constitutes excellence, consensus becomes a luxury rather than a given. What followed were passionate discussions, good-natured leg-pulling, and the kind of arguments that make football journalism simultaneously exhausting and exhilarating.
Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma’s inclusion sparked immediate agreement, rare in a room where even the shape of the ball can become contentious. His transformation at PSG and subsequent move to Manchester City have seen him deliver performances that silence critics who questioned his consistency. Shot-stopping brilliance combined with command of his area made him the obvious choice, though one writer’s attempt to nominate Courtois was quickly shouted down.
Right Back: Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi at right-back was unanimous. His attacking output- 10 assists across club and country in 2025- combined with defensive solidity, made him untouchable. Hakimi was also named the African Player of the Year 2025, after his treble-winning campaign in the 2024-25 season.
Centre-backs: Gabriel & Pacho
The centre-back debate turned out to be ice cold. Gabriel’s aerial dominance and goal-scoring run for Arsenal’s title challenge earned him one spot, but the second sparked genuine controversy. Where VVD could not even get a single vote, Willian Pacho’s consistency for PSG won the day and turned him into the second CB of our line-up.
Left Back: Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes at left-back generated a surprising debate. Cucurella had quite an amazing year. A year of redemption, consistency and silverware from the Club World Cup with Chelsea wasn’t enough to cut the edge over Mendes’ evolution into one of Europe’s most complete full-backs- defending brilliantly while contributing offensively, secured his selection after a narrow vote.
Defensive Midfielder: Caicedo
Moisés Caicedo’s defensive excellence and ball-winning ability at Chelsea made him the anchor of our team of the year as well. His game-reading and elite decision-making, followed by perfectly timed tackling, solidified his position in our XI.
Centre Midfielders: Vitinha & Pedri
Vitinha’s creative mastery for PSG was undeniable, his vision and passing range earning comfortable selection. The composure he was able to bring to the table was second to none. PSG’s treble-winning acknowledgement doesn’t really go unnoticed for any PSG player, for that matter.
Pedri’s inclusion might raise a few eye-brows but his everlasting consistency and the medal for winning the LaLiga speak volumes. His Barcelona time under Hansi Flick- dictating tempo, creating chances, controlling matches- eventually won him the polls. The vote was tight, emotions ran high, but Pedri’s consistency across the calendar year tipped the balance.
Right Winger: Mo. Salah
Mohamed Salah’s right-wing spot was never in doubt- his 2025 output spoke for itself. There was a clear winner amongst the writers regarding the position, as no one could match the excellence and magic Salah was able to produce at the age of 33.
Left Winger: Raphinha
Raphinha at left-wing generated no surprise at all, his Barcelona transformation under Flick- contributing goals, assists, and defensive work- made him irresistible. The Brazilian’s willingness to sacrifice individual glory for collective success resonated with voters valuing team players over solo artists.
Striker: Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland as a striker was unanimous. A year full of record-breaking goals, relentless efficiency, unmatched consistency, no debate necessary. However, with Mbappe equalling Cristiano Ronaldo’s 59 goals record in a calendar year, couldn’t really dethrone the Norwegian’s bold performances in the best league in the world.
Manager: Luis Enrique
Selecting the manager produced a genuine deadlock. Hansi Flick’s Barcelona revival- implementing high-pressing, attractive football that dominated La Liga- had passionate advocates. But Luis Enrique’s PSG treble in 2025, combined with his players sweeping major individual awards, reflected coaching success that transcended tactics. His ability to manage egos, implement philosophy, and deliver trophies broke the tie. Flick’s supporters graciously conceded, acknowledging that trebles rarely lie.
The Final Word
This wasn’t just eleven names on paper; it was the result of a good debate, statistical analysis, and genuine respect for excellence. Arguments will continue, alternatives will be proposed, but for 2025, this is Tackle From Behind Writers’ definitive statement: these eleven players, under Luis Enrique’s guidance, represent the absolute pinnacle of footballing brilliance in the calendar year 2025.
Now, let the real arguments begin. Let us know your thoughts on this line-up on my social media platforms.
