We pick the best performers from this year’s competition
Bayern Munich were worthy winners of this year’s Champions League, beating Paris Saint-Germain in last night’s final to lift the trophy for the sixth time.
Hansi Flick’s side completed the treble with their victory, and they became the first side to win every single game in a Champions League campaign.
With all of that in mind, you’d expect Bayern to dominate our Champions League Team of the Season. Is that how it worked out? Keep reading to see who made it in…
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Bayern)
Bayern’s remarkably high defensive line allows them to suffocate the opposition and keep them hemmed in, but they can only pull it off because they know Manuel Neuer will be there to mop up in behind.
As well as being quick off his line, Neuer made crucial saves from Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Marquinhos to help Bayern win the final.
Right-back: Joshua Kimmich (Bayern)
Whether he plays at right-back or in central midfield, Joshua Kimmich’s composure and intelligence make him a vital part of the Bayern side.
He played a key role in arguably the two decisive moments in their season. His impudent chip secured a 1-0 win over Borussia Dortmund to put Bayern in the Bundesliga driving seat. And he set up Kingsley Coman’s Champions League-winning strike with a delicious cross.
Dayot Upamecano has long been seen as one of the most promising defenders on the continent, but he proved he was the real deal with an imperious display against Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals.
Diego Costa didn’t have any joy against the Frenchman, while Alvaro Morata didn’t fare much better when he came on either.
Centre-back: Thiago Silva (PSG)
PSG only let in four goals throughout the tournament and Thiago Silva was the lynchpin of their backline.
His experience proved vital in their journey to the final. The 35-year-old is set to move on this summer, and while he didn’t get the send-off he’d have liked, there’s no doubting his status at the club.
Left-back: Alphonso Davies (Bayern)
Alphonso Davies may only be 19-years-old, but he’s already established himself as one of the best left-backs in the game.
He’s got incredible speed and his footwork also makes him very hard to face in one-on-one situations, as Nelson Semedo can attest.
The Canada international registered four assists in eight European appearances this season – a remarkable tally for anyone so inexperienced, but especially for a defender.
Central midfield: Thiago Alcantara (Bayern)
Thiago could have played his last game for Bayern, but what a way to bow out. He pulled the strings in midfield, prompting and probing with his superb range of passing.
With Thiago running things, there were few points throughout the tournament where Bayern didn’t feel in control. If the Spaniard does move on this summer, he’ll be very hard to replace.
Central midfield: Marquinhos (PSG)
Although primarily a defensive player, Marquinhos popped up with two vital goals in Lisbon. His late equaliser set PSG on their way to victory against Atalanta, then he got the opener in the semi-final against RG Leipzig.
As well as contributing in the final third, his reading of the game helped to screen the defenders behind him. He’s not PSG’s most glamourous player, but he’s one of their most important.
Central midfield: Houssem Aouar (Lyon)
Lyon caused two of the biggest upsets of the tournament to knock out Juventus and then Manchester City, and Houssem Aouar was at the heart of both victories.
He’s got the vision to pick out the runs of Lyon’s rapid attackers. The playmaker got an assist in both legs against Juve, then set up two of Lyon’s three goals against Pep Guardiola’s side.
With City, Juventus and Arsenal reportedly watching, he looks more than ready to take the next step in his career.
Right-wing: Serge Gnabry (Bayern)
Serge Gnabry’s underwhelming loan at West Bromwich Albion seems a long time ago now. He scored nine goals on the way to lifting the Champions League, including four in Bayern’s 7-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, a brace at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea and both goals in the 2-0 semi-final win against Lyon.
Now established as one of the best wingers around, the thought of having to face Gnabry on one side and Leroy Sane on the other will terrify opposition defences next season.
Left-wing: Neymar (PSG)
A slightly controversial choice here. Yes, Neymar missed some glorious chances in Lisbon, but his overall play was superb until the final.
His best display came in the quarter-final against Atalanta. With Mbappe, Angel Di Maria and Marco Verratti out of the starting XI, everything seemed to go through him. He completed 16 dribbles against the Italian side – the most in a Champions League game since 2008.
He also scored two vital goals against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, and set up Di Maria’s semi-final strike against Leipzig. The Brazilian superstar may have underwhelmed last night, but that doesn’t cancel out everything that came before.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern)
There was no doubt about who was going to lead the line here. Robert Lewandowski finished as top scorer with 15 goals in this season’s competition – only Cristiano Ronaldo has ever scored more in a single campaign (17).
Here’s a few more stats: The Poland star scored in 10 of his 11 Champions League appearances this term. His 15 goals were as many as the entire PSG starting XI for the final had between them. And he became the first-ever player to win the treble and finish as top scorer in all three competitions.
It’s a shame for him that there won’t be a Ballon d’Or this year, because this may well have been his year.
Cast your vote
Now we’ve picked the best team, who do you think the best player was? Let us know in our Twitter poll.
