Best of 2025-26: Best Midfielder
With the curtain having come down on the 2025/26 Ligue 1 McDonald's season, in a new series, the editorial staff picks their favorite moments of what was a thrilling season, continuing with the Best Midfielder. Join George Boxall, Eric Devin and Luke Entwistle for a bumper review.
Vitinha, Paris Saint-Germain
Not only is he the best midfielder in Ligue 1 McDonald’s, I would argue that he was the best player in France’s top-flight this season. It was two seasons ago that Luis Enrique proclaimed that the Portugal international was his pick for player of the season, even if he didn’t win it. He was in the running last year but was denied by an excellent Ousmane Dembélé. And whilst the Ballon d’Or winner retained his UNFP Player of the Year title, there are strong arguments for Vitinha.
Vitinha putting up serious numbers so far this season 🎩🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/ARhNS3CfLa
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) February 1, 2026
His biggest argument is his consistency. He has played 49 times for Les Parisiens this season, including 29 times in Ligue 1 McDonald’s. Only Illia Zabarnyi and Warren Zaire-Emery have played more minutes than Vitinha for PSG in the league this season. And there is a reason for that. He is so crucial in the way that the reigning European champions operate, especially in build-up. It feels a long time ago that Vitinha was struggling to bed in at PSG. In this era, the post “bling-bling” era, as Nasser Al-Khelaifi may put it, there has arguably been no player more important to a side that has become all-conquering both in France and abroad- LE
Corentin Tolisso, Olympique Lyonnais
While Tolisso hasn't ever been quite the same player since a torn ACL suffered in 2018, his displays this season offered a firm reminder of his class, talent and leadership. With key attackers Alexandre Lacazette and Georges Mikautadze having departed in the summer, and Malick Fofana and Ernest Nuamah essentially missing the season through injury, Lyon were in dire need of both goals and a mature voice on the pitch to help a mostly young side.
Tolisso's having the season of his life! 😍 pic.twitter.com/CPQFm0MnwN
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) April 27, 2026
Tolisso provided both in spades, netting eleven goals in the league (including eight from February onwards as Lyon chased the Champions League), playing as a number ten, as a number eight and even deeper on occasion when Paulo Fonseca's side were chasing a spot in Europe's marquee competition, something which they would eventually seal despite a nervy end to the season. While eliminations from the Europa League and the Coupe de France will have stung, to have Tolisso back at Europe's top table is just reward for what might have been the World Cup winner's finest season to date. - ED
Adrien Thomasson, RC Lens
There are flashier midfielders in Ligue 1, younger midfielders too, but few have been as important to their side this season as Adrien Thomasson. Lens entered the campaign having lost two key components of their midfield in Andy Diouf and Neil El Aynaoui, yet rather than take a step backwards, Pierre Sage’s side emerged as genuine title contenders. At the centre of it all was their captain. The decision to move Thomasson into a deeper role proved transformative. Having spent much of his career operating closer to goal, the 32-year-old became Lens’ metronome, linking defence and attack while still retaining the creativity that had defined his game.
Thomasson = Assist King for RC lens 💫 pic.twitter.com/qjtCIdwbMQ
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 21, 2026
The extra responsibility seemed to suit him. He saw more of the ball, dictated the rhythm of matches and gave Lens a level of control few sides in the division could match. He ranked among the league leaders for assists, key passes and chance creation, but his influence extended far beyond possession. His relentless pressing, ball recoveries and defensive work set the tone for Lens’ intensity without the ball. In a season filled with exciting young talent, it was a veteran who quietly produced the most complete midfield campaign in Ligue 1. Thomasson was the engine behind Lens’ success and an easy choice for midfielder of the season. -GB
