Messi, Neymar, Cristiano... The brutal eleven stars who will be free agents in 2025

The year 2025 is shaping up to be a highly interesting period in terms of the top European football stars who, barring unexpected events, will become free agents. At FCBN, we have decided to take advantage of this situation to assemble an ideal team with the best footballers whose contracts with their clubs will expire next summer, presenting them as attractive options for future signings. We have depicted these figures in a classic 4-3-3 formation.

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer

The line-up starts strong with the goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. At 38 years old, the German goalkeeper is nearing the end of his contract with Bayern Munich, a team of which he is a vital part alongside Sepp Maier and Oliver Kahn, forming the historical triumvirate of the best goalkeepers the Bavarian team has ever had. Currently, 'Manu' is known for being an impregnable wall and a prodigy in playing the ball out from the back, acting as a sweeper.

Up to date, he has played 729 club matches, conceding 624 goals and keeping a clean sheet on 327 occasions. Given that there is no clear successor, the possibility of him renewing his contract with Bayern Munich for another year is not ruled out.

• Alternative options to consider: Walter Benítez and Álex Meret

Right-back: Trent Alexander-Arnold

The talented right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has not yet hinted at renewing his contract with Liverpool, indicating that his departure next summer is becoming an increasingly likely scenario. The English player stands out for his lethal attacking ability, attacking prowess, powerful long-range shot, and excellent technique in long passes. Additionally, he shows versatility by occasionally playing as a midfielder.

At 25 years of age, Alexander-Arnold has spent his entire professional career at Liverpool, amassing 316 appearances, 19 goals, and 83 assists. Currently, rumors place Real Madrid as the favorite in the potential competition to sign the talented full-back. Will the Whites manage to secure the services of this star? Only time will tell.

Alternative options to consider: Dani Carvajal and Denzel Dumfries

Center-back: Virgil Van Dijk

Dutch defender Virgil Van Dijk, recognized as one of the best in the world, stands out for his imposing physical presence, dominance in aerial play, and ability in one-on-one duels, making it nearly impossible to get past him in dribbling. Although there hasn't been much talk about his contract renewal with Liverpool, rumors suggest that the English team is preparing a proposal to extend his contract.

However, at 33 years old, there is speculation that he may be considering exploring new footballing horizons. To date, Van Dijk has played a total of 537 matches, scoring 53 goals and providing 24 assists in his career.

Center-back: Jonathan Tah

The situation regarding Jonathan Tah seems quite clear. The defender, who was linked to FC Barcelona at the end of the last summer transfer window, has stated his decision to not renew his contract with Bayer Leverkusen. This situation opens the doors to multiple options for his future next summer, with Barça and Bayern Munich as the favorite teams in the race for his transfer.

Tah is known for his great tactical intelligence and his ability to intercept opponent deliveries, making him a tough defensive obstacle to beat. Additionally, he excels in his passing ability. To date, he has participated in 403 matches, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists. Undoubtedly, a very valuable option for any team.

Left-back: Alphonso Davies

The left-back, Alphonso Davies, is probably the most dazzling option. The Canadian, whose physical qualities are related to power and speed to cover the flank, is defensively sound and offensively a guarantee of danger as a natural dribbler, sometimes playing as a winger.

There is still no clarity on whether he will renew his contract with Bayern Munich, as although there is apparently a contract offer from the Munich team, the left-back has not yet responded. Real Madrid is favored in the race for the player if he does not renew with 'Die Roten'. To date, he has played 281 matches, scoring 23 goals and providing 46 assists.

• Alternative options to consider: Ferland Mendy and Sergio Reguilon

Midfielder: Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich is undoubtedly one of the gems of the summer transfer market. The midfielder, although seemingly on the path to renewing with Bayern Munich, until it is official, he could still become a free agent starting from June 30, 2025. The midfielder, a versatile player who can also play as a right-back, is technically gifted and a natural leader.

He is reportedly on FC Barcelona's agenda as a candidate to secure his services. However, there have also been talks of interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City in signing him. It remains to be seen if he does not renew with Bayern Munich and which teams might consider his acquisition if he eventually hits the market. Currently, he has played 451 matches, scored 45 goals, and provided 110 assists.

• Alternative options to consider: Jorginho and Thomas Partey

Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne

Midfielder Kevin De Bruyne seems to be on track to leave Manchester City next summer. What will be his destination? Although it is not entirely clear, it would not be surprising to see him move to Saudi Arabia, a destination that could be economically attractive for him. However, it is undecided whether he will choose this destination next summer or prioritize staying in Europe. It is also unknown if the 'citizens' will renew his contract, as there are no clear indications at the moment.

De Bruyne is a midfielder known for his refined technique, being a top-level playmaker. He is a very technical player, specializing in the final pass and with an excellent shot on goal. Currently, he has played 617 matches, scoring 150 goals and providing 255 assists. Will the Belgian, at 33 years old, have enough stamina to continue competing in Europe? We will soon find out.

• Other players to consider: Christian Eriksen and Marco Verratti

Midfielder: İlkay Gündoğan

What to say about İlkay Gündoğan, a former player of FC Barcelona and currently with Manchester City? The German midfielder is a decisive player in the final third of the field, excelling as a specialist in the final pass and with the ability to score as a late runner in the box.

It is still unknown if he will renew with the Manchester team. If he becomes a free agent at 33 years old, he could still be a valuable option to strengthen the midfield, also capable of playing as a holding midfielder. Currently, 'Gündo' has played 570 matches, scoring 88 goals and providing 77 assists.

• Other players to consider: Luka Modrić and James Rodríguez

Right Winger: Lionel Messi

Will Lionel Messi continue to expand his legacy in football with Inter Miami? In the United States, the Rosario native continues to delight in his football and remains extremely influential; however, contractually, his link with 'The Herons' extends until December 31, 2025. Nevertheless, an exceptional situation would apparently be required for the American team and 'La Pulga' not to reach an agreement to extend their contractual relationship.

However, if that does not happen, it is clear that, at 37 years old, Lionel Messi still retains the football skills to continue enjoying on the field, displaying his elite football, being an exceptional dribbler, a masterful playmaker, and embodying everything expected of a player on the pitch. The question is whether the Argentine, who has played 885 matches, scored 731 goals, and provided 355 assists, will not continue at Inter Miami, what will be his next football destination? Newell's? Another club?

• Other players to consider: Leroy Sané and Mohamed Salah

Center Forward: Cristiano Ronaldo

Little more to add about the other international football star, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Funchal native continues to stand out as a prominent goal scorer with Al-Nassr, recently reaching the impressive milestone of 900 goals between clubs and national teams.

Now playing more in the center forward position, it is still not clear whether 'CR7' will renew his contract with the Arab team, where he is one of the main stars and a prominent figure in the region's football. If he decided not to continue, his next destination is not completely defined. Would he consider the option of retiring? Return to Portugal? There are many unknowns for Cristiano Ronaldo, who to date has played 1019 matches, scored 764 goals, and provided 240 assists.

• Other players to consider: Paulo Dybala and Jonathan David

Left Winger: Neymar Jr.

To complete the group of stars who would be available as free agents in 2025, we find the case of Neymar Jr. So far, his time at Al-Hilal has been overshadowed by an unfortunate injury that has limited his participation. However, he is close to returning and will have a few months to show if he can regain his top form, displaying that dribbling, joy, and magic-filled football expected from the 'Canarinha's' '10'.

However, it is still unknown whether he will renew his contract with the Arab team or seek a new sporting adventure, as at 32 years old, he is still believed to have much to offer on the field. Will he return to Brazil? Will he explore North American soccer? Would he make an unexpected leap back to Europe? Time will tell. So far, he has played 589 matches, scoring 360 goals, and providing 220 assists.

•  Other players to consider: Heung-min Son