Writers' Picks: Midfielder of the Season
The Ligue 1 McDonald's editorial team -- George Boxall, Eric Devin and Eduardo Razo -- have picked their favorites for the 2024/25 season in seven categories. Learn who the experts have picked in our latest series, continuing with our honorees for Midfielder of the Year.
Eric Devin: Adrien Rabiot, Olympique de Marseille
The only Frenchman, and only the player not from champions Paris Saint-Germain not to be picked, Rabiot had the most prolific season of his career on his return to France. Playing in a more advanced role under Roberto de Zerbi, his dynamism and eye for goal were key elements of the team finishing with the second-best attack i Ligue 1 McDonald's. Among midfielders, only Andrey Santos scored more goals from open play, while his pressing and energy were valuable to the team's high-energy approach that led to a second-place finish and return to the Champions League.
Adrien Rabiot, writing his own script in Marseille 😍🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/SvqgcORNlK
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 17, 2025
Eduardo Razo: Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain
The Portugal native featured in 29 Ligue 1 McDonald’s matches this season, starting 20 of them. Vitinha played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain’s buildup play, leading the team with 224 progressive passes and 257 passes into the final third. The 25-year-old midfielder capped off the campaign with five goals and one assist.
Lee Kang-In assists Vitinha 🇰🇷🤝🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/W5R98c4zxo
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 22, 2025
George Boxall: Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain
Subtle, swift, but technical playmaking ability - Joao Neves has fitted perfectly into Luis Enrique's midfield this season. He signed last summer as one of the statement recruits of the capital club, and hit the ground running immediately with four assists in his two matches in 2024-2025. It set the tone for a great campaign for the Portuguese international, who has scored five goals and assisted nine times this season for the Ligue 1 McDonald's Champions. A blossoming partnership with Vitinha has helped Les Parisiens become one of the deadliest midfield machines in Europe this season.
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