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Champions League Team of the Season 2023-24

June 2, 2024
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Champions League Team of the Season for the 2023-24 campaign, after Real Madrid were crowned champions of Europe for a record-extending 15th time.

Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel – Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund’s run to the Champions League final was built on defensive strength with Gregor Kobel leading the competition for clean sheets (6). The Swiss shot-stopper was unfortunate to be on the losing side in the final, making some superb saves at Wembley, and ended the campaign with the highest number of saves (45) and expected goals prevented (+5.8).

A nod to Andriy Lunin, who began the season as third-choice at Real Madrid before playing a crucial part in their Champions League success. His omission for the final was unfortunate, given his contribution to the cause.

Right-back: Dani Carvajal – Real Madrid

An unsung hero of Real Madrid’s recent dominance of the Champions League. Carvajal’s experience and desire to win helped the Spanish side over the line in difficult games, including the final success against Borussia Dortmund.

Having been second-best during the first half, Carvajal’s header – his first Champions League goal in five years – sent Carlo Ancelotti’s side on their path to Champions League success again. What a career he’s had.

Centre-back: Mats Hummels – Borussia Dortmund

An outstanding campaign from the veteran defender who rolled back the years in Europe. Hummels led the tournament for clearances (69), interceptions (25), and tackles (53), while he scored a crucial goal to seal the semi-final success against Paris Saint-Germain.

How he hasn’t made the Germany squad for Euro 2024 is a mystery.

Centre-back: Antonio Rudiger – Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s man mountain at the back. In a season that has seen the Spaniards ravaged by long-term injuries at centre-back, Rudiger has held the fort impressively for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. The German relishes one-on-one battles against the world’s best forwards and so often comes out on top.

His nerveless penalty to seal the shootout success against Manchester City in the quarter-finals will be a moment he won’t forget.

Left-back: Ian Maatsen – Borussia Dortmund

What a year it’s been for Ian Maatsen. Last season, he was playing Championship football on loan at Burnley. Just a year later, he’s just competed in a Champions League final.

Maatsen’s error in the decider should not detract from what has been a fine campaign for the Dutchman, who arrived on loan from Chelsea in January and impressed during Dortmund’s run to the decider. The Blues could do worse than hand Maatsen a run in the team next season.

Midfield: Rodri – Manchester City

Manchester City’s defence of the Champions League ended in the quarter-finals but it was another strong season from Rodri. Last season’s final winner was imperious as the Citizens cruised through the group stage with a perfect record and became the first team in Champions League history to score 3+ goals in nine consecutive games.

The Spaniard led the Champions League in 2023-24 for progressive passes by a considerable distance and trailed only Toni Kroos for passes into the final third. The best in the world at what he does.

Midfield: Toni Kroos – Real Madrid

Football is going to miss Toni Kroos. The German has bowed out on the club stage in the perfect place, celebrating a sixth Champions League success at Wembley. Kroos has decided to call time on his career while at the top and he’s certainly still among the elite.

The midfielder’s immaculate distribution, eye for a pass, and ability to exert control have been a feature of Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th European crown.

Midfield: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham’s dream debut season at Real Madrid has come to an end with La Liga and Champions League winner’s medals around his neck.

The 20-year-old started the Champions League campaign on fire with four goals and three assists during the group stage. His influence waned, statistically, in the knockout rounds but a selfless performance as a focal point at Manchester City helped relieve pressure at the Etihad, while he added assists against RB Leipzig and in the final win over former side Dortmund. No player provided more assists (5) in the Champions League this season.

Right-wing: Phil Foden – Manchester City

Phil Foden’s fantastic season at Manchester City has seen the midfielder break into the elite of the game, with the 23-year-old named Premier League Player of the Season in 2023-24.

In Europe, he was the catalyst for the Citizens run to the quarter-finals, leading the Champions League for shot-creating actions and scoring five times with three assists. Foden was sublime in the group stage and bagged a belter at the Bernabeu. He’s some talent.

Left-wing: Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid

Vinicius Junior might just be the most decisive player in world football right now. Full-backs can simply not live with the Brazilian’s changes of pace and electric footwork and Vinicius once again came alive at the business end of a Champions League campaign.

Six goals and five assists in this season’s Champions League, with no player involved in more goals across the competition in the last three seasons. He scored in a second final, becoming only the second player after Lionel Messi to do so before turning 24.

A strong Copa America campaign will put Vinicius firmly in contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Forward: Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

Harry Kane led Bayern Munich’s run to the semi-finals, ending the 2023-24 Champions League as the competition’s joint-leading scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe.

His 12 goal involvements were also a leading total, in a season that has seen Kane shine as the best out-and-out forward in the game.

The 30-year-old’s wait for silverware continues, though he will see Euro 2024 as a chance to end it.

Read – Champions League end-of-season awards 2023-24

See more – Players with the most Champions League titles as Modric and Carvajal make history

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