In 2025, top 5 best midfielders Ligue 1 2025 is a hot topic, and JeansPitch is ready to break it down. If you want flair, work rate, stats, and consistency, these are the midfield masters dominating France. Whether you love defensive anchors, creative playmakers, or box-to-box beasts, this list has it all.
What Makes a Midfielder Elite in Ligue 1 2025
To pick the very best, we looked at:
- Consistency across the 2024-25 season (minutes, starts, influence)
- Goals + assists contribution, not just for attackers but contribution relative to role
- Defensive metrics (interceptions, tackles, recoveries)
- Passing + chance creation
- Big game performances and impact
The Top 5 Best Midfielders in Ligue 1 2025
Below, JeansPitch compiles a list of five midfielders who have not only shone in stats but lit up the league with presence and influence. They play different roles, so it’s not apples to apples—each brings something special.
1. João Neves (Paris Saint-Germain) – Deep-lying / box-to-box playmaker
At just 20 years old, João Neves has already become central to PSG’s midfield strategy. In the 2024-25 Ligue 1 season, he made 16 appearances and logged about 1,121 minutes. He contributed 2 goals + 8 assists in that period, showing he’s not just a defensive shield but also creative and dangerous going forward.
Neves combines composure, strong tackling, good spatial awareness, and excellent passing. His assist numbers are particularly impressive for someone still early in his top-flight career. He’s being compared to established names given his output.
2. Andrey Santos – Dynamic box-to-box and goal threat
If you want energy, goal contribution, Andrey Santos fits the bill. Playing the majority of matches for Strasbourg in 2024-25, he featured in 32 Ligue 1 matches, scoring 10 goals and adding 3 assists.
What makes him stand out: even though he has defensive responsibilities, he gets forward with threat, takes shots, creates chances, and is heavily involved in transitions. That dual capacity (defensive & attacking) is what elevates him into the top echelon.
3. Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain) – Maestro of control and tempo
Vitinha had a stellar 2024-25 season, especially under a demanding coach who expects both discipline and creativity. He played a big role in PSG’s midfield whether in buildup, breaking lines, or contributing to attack. In Ligue 1, he made 29 starts, scored 5 goals and added 1 assist.
What separates Vitinha: his ability to control tempo, distribute, defensive positioning, and stepping up in big matches. When PSG needed him in big moments, he delivered.
4. Adrien Rabiot (Olympique de Marseille) – The veteran engine
Experience counts, and Adrien Rabiot had perhaps his most productive season in recent memory. Returning to France, he anchored Marseille’s midfield with character and output. He was selected as Midfielder of the Season by Ligue 1 McDonald’s writers.
Rabiot’s contribution wasn’t only leadership: he scored goals, and his work off the ball plus ability to latch onto counter-attacks brought Marseille consistent threats in midfield. His physical endurance and consistent presence make him a vital part of Marseille’s push for Champions League spots.
5. Warren Zaïre-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain) – Young defensive prodigy
Last, but far, Warren Zaïre-Emery has been turning heads. Though young, he has matured into a first-team regular, showcasing defensive intelligence, composure on the ball, and big-game temperament. He played a pivotal role in PSG’s season (which ended in a treble: Ligue 1, domestic cups, and Champions League).
Zaïre-Emery may not contribute the most goals or assists yet, but his interceptions, recoveries, pressing, ability to shield the backline, and start counter-attacks. He’s one of the best pure defensive midfielders in France right now.
Honorable mentions & near-misses
Because competition is fierce, there are a few who narrowly missed the top 5 spot:
- Lamine Camara (Monaco): very promising, solid performances.
- Vitinha’s teammates and other PSG mids: depth is strong, so choices are tight.
- Other youngsters making noise: those who may break into this list next season.
Comparison: Styles and Roles
| Player | Role Type | Strengths | Areas Still Growing |
| João Neves | Deep-lying playmaker / box-to-box | Vision, assists, composure, ball recovery | Physicality, consistency week-in/week-out |
| Andrey Santos | Box-to-box with attacking threat | Goal scoring, work rate, dual role | Experience at top clubs, defensive maturity |
| Vitinha | Tempo controller / progressive passer | Ball progression, big match impact | Injury avoidance, more goal contributions |
| Adrien Rabiot | Veteran all-rounder | Leadership, pressing, goals from midfield | Speed, sometimes tight vs faster mids |
| Zaïre-Emery | Defensive midfield anchor | Interceptions, positioning, handling pressure | Offensive output, passing creativity forward |
Why These Five Rule Ligue 1 Midfield
- They combine impact on both ends: defense and attack (or control).
- They perform under pressure: big matches, tight schedules, European games.
- They are consistent—not just flashes. Fans want midfielders who show up every game.
- They develop or adapt: youngsters learning fast, veterans evolving.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
- Will João Neves maintain or improve his assist numbers? Will he become more goal-threatening?
- Can Andrey Santos leverage this season to move to a bigger club or dominate more consistently?
- Will Vitinha take on more attacking responsibility, or will PSG use him more as a balancing piece?
- Can Rabiot keep his fitness and consistency into the 2025-26 campaign?
- How much more will Zaïre-Emery grow defensively and in distribution under big match pressure?
Conclusion
In summary, top 5 best midfielders Ligue 1 2025 are João Neves, Andrey Santos, Vitinha, Adrien Rabiot, and Warren Zaïre-Emery. Each brings a different flavor: creativity, defensive solidity, goal threat, tempo control, and experience. JeansPitch believes these are the guys defining Ligue 1 midfield in 2025, mixing youth and veteran savvy.
If you love football and want more – match previews, upcoming transfers, or player comparisons – stay tuned here. Let us know who you think should’ve been on this list, or who’s about to break into the elite!
