This year, we are selecting a Champions League team of the season with a unique twist: only one player per club is allowed. While finalists Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have multiple players deserving of spots, apologies to Willian Pacho and Declan Rice, among others. This format provides a broader view of the entire competition.
Goalkeeper: David Raya (Arsenal)
Even in the final's penalty shootout loss to PSG in Budapest, David Raya was heroic, saving from Nuno Mendes. Throughout the tournament, his decision-making was exemplary. He ended the campaign with nine clean sheets, conceding only five goals in 14 matches. Robert Andrich's header from a corner for Bayer Leverkusen was the last non-penalty goal to beat Raya, coming in the round of 16.
Right-back: Pedro Porro (Tottenham)
Yes, a Spurs player makes the cut. Tottenham managed to finish fourth in the group stage, and Porro's overlapping full-back skills were prominent, leading to recent links with a return to Manchester City, where he spent three years on loan.
Centre-back: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
Despite his red card in the playoff against Bosnia costing Italy a World Cup spot, Bastoni remains Italy's best defender. Inter conceded just seven goals in the group stage, with Bastoni as their organizer and deep-lying playmaker.
Centre-back: Odin Bjørtuft (Bodø/Glimt)
The Norwegian club from the Arctic Circle was the romantic story of the season, beating Manchester City, Atlético Madrid, and Inter before losing to Sporting. Bjørtuft led a defense that ranked third in ball recoveries with 81, behind only PSG's Mendes and Pacho.
Left-back: Matteo Ruggeri (Atlético Madrid)
Ruggeri set up Alexander Sørloth's goal in a crucial quarter-final first-leg win at Barcelona, helping Atlético reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2016-17. A defender first, he was assigned to mark Lamine Yamal in that tie and held his own.
Defensive Midfielder: Morten Hjulmand (Sporting)
Though Sporting surrendered their Portuguese title, they finished in the top eight of the group stage. Their Danish captain was the fulcrum, sorely missed in the quarter-final first leg against Arsenal. Hjulmand is set for summer transfer speculation as a midfielder of poise and tenacity.
Central Midfielder: Aleix García (Bayer Leverkusen)
Leverkusen's run to the last 16 was a surprise in a disappointing European season for Bundesliga clubs. García, a well-traveled former Manchester City youngster, completed 91.25% of his passes and scored a spectacular group-stage goal against PSG.
Central Midfielder: Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
Despite Liverpool's unhappy season, Szoboszlai was among the exceptions. He scored five goals in 12 Champions League matches and was star man in Liverpool's 4-0 win over Galatasaray. His opening goal set the tone for a rare high point.
Left-wing: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
Left-wing was a position of strength this season, but Kvaratskhelia stands above the rest. His mix of orthodox wing play and explosive power made him the best, despite not being at his peak in the final.
Right-wing: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Injuries slowed his progress, but Yamal's brilliance was undeniable. In the quarter-final loss to Atlético, he produced moments of genius, including a spin beyond two defenders followed by a 50-yard diagonal to Marcus Rashford.
Striker: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Mbappé outscored Kane's 14 goals by one, but Kane gets the nod for his creative edge. His understanding with Bayern's wingers, Michael Olise and Luis Díaz, mirrored his partnership with Son Heung-min at Tottenham. Kane totaled 61 goals overall for his club this season.
