2022/23 UEFA Champions League Team of the Season

The team was selected by UEFA's Technical Observer panel based on performances in the 2022/23 UEFA Champions League.

The consistent excellence produced by Manchester City in winning the competition for the first time was reflected by the presence of so many of their players. The Technical Observer Panel selected seven City players in this best XI, starting with Rodri, the Spanish midfield pivot who was both Player of the Match in the final and the overall Player of the Season.

Right-back Kyle Walker’s displays up against Vinícius Júnior in the semi-final were a factor in his inclusion in the defence alongside centre-back colleague Rúben Dias whose powerful, body-on-the-line defending was pivotal in the quarter-final first leg against Bayern München.

Another City centre-back, John Stones, features too, albeit in midfield in recognition of his intelligent work in a hybrid defender/midfielder role as the season progressed. Indeed the UEFA observers selected an all-City midfield which includes Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne, the season’s highest assist-maker.

Inevitably, 2022/23’s top marksman, Erling Haaland, has a place in the attack following his sensational first campaign in City blue, as does right winger Bernardo Silva, as tireless in his attempts to recover the ball as he was precise in his pass selection with it.

Of the other players selected for this Team of the Season, two come from runners-up Inter: Federico Dimarco, the left wing-back whose crossing was an important feature of his side’s attacking efforts, and Alessandro Bastoni, the left-sided centre-back who distributed the ball so productively from the back.

Finally, Thibaut Courtois, goalkeeper of the deposed champions Real Madrid, features for the second season running as does the Madrid wide forward Vinícius Júnior – a vital outlet on the left of Los Blancos’ attack for his speed and dribbling ability.

Goalkeeper

Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid)

Defenders

Kyle Walker (Man City)

Rúben Dias (Man City)

Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)

Federico Dimarco (Inter)

Midfielders

John Stones (Man City)

Kevin De Bruyne (Man City)

Rodri (Man City)

Forwards

Bernardo Silva (Man City)

Erling Haaland (Man City)

Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid)