Discover the most valuable players in the 2024/25 Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League—and what their performances mean for their league’s prestige.
Most Valuable Players in This Year’s European Competitions
As the 2024/25 European football season progresses toward its conclusion, individual brilliance has taken center stage in UEFA’s premier tournaments. From the Champions League to the Europa League and the Conference League, top performers have left their mark on fans and scoreboards alike. These Most Valuable Players (MVPs) have not only carried their clubs but have also elevated the reputation of their respective leagues.
In this in-depth feature, we’ll highlight the standout performers across all three UEFA competitions this season, examine what made them so impactful, and discuss how their performances reflect on their domestic Playtech demo league‘s strength and quality.
? Champions League MVPs
? Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid – La Liga)
Position: Midfielder
Stats: 6 goals, 4 assists, 88% pass completion
Bellingham’s transition from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid was smooth—and explosive. The English midfielder has become Real Madrid’s heartbeat, combining creativity, physicality, and leadership. His performances in high-stakes knockout games have been pivotal in Los Blancos’ deep run.
League impact:
Bellingham’s rise reinforces La Liga’s reputation for nurturing midfield maestros and sustaining elite-level football post-Messi/Ronaldo era.
? Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich – Bundesliga)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Stats: 5 goals, 5 assists
Musiala has emerged as Bayern’s creative linchpin. His dribbling, vision, and ability to break defensive lines were crucial in overcoming tough opposition en route to the semifinals.
League impact:
His breakout season further solidifies the Bundesliga’s position as a talent-developing league.
? Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan – Serie A)
Position: Striker
Stats: 7 goals, 2 assists
Inter’s Argentine striker continues to deliver in Europe. His ability to convert half-chances and press defenders high up the pitch has defined Inter’s aggressive Champions League style.
League impact:
Serie A benefits from his visibility, reminding fans of Italy’s legacy of elite strikers.
? Europa League MVPs
? Cody Gakpo (Liverpool – Premier League)
Position: Forward
Stats: 6 goals, 3 assists
While Liverpool faced a surprise elimination, Gakpo’s consistency throughout the campaign deserves praise. He combined technique with work rate to drive Liverpool’s attack.
League impact:
The Premier League’s depth in attacking quality remains unmatched, and Gakpo is a key symbol of that.
? Tomas Holes (Slavia Prague – Czech First League)
Position: Midfielder
Stats: 4 goals, 4 assists
Slavia Prague shocked many by reaching the semifinals, and Holes was central to that success. The 31-year-old Czech international showed leadership and experience, helping Slavia go toe-to-toe with elite clubs.
League impact:
His performances brought rare spotlight to the Czech First League, proving lesser-known leagues still produce impactful talent.
? Paulo Dybala (AS Roma – Serie A)
Position: Forward
Stats: 5 goals, 2 assists
Dybala’s revival in European competitions has been one of the most talked-about narratives this season. His creative flair and eye for goal kept Roma in contention deep into the Europa League.
League impact:
Serie A reaps the reward of veteran stars like Dybala staying competitive at the highest level.
? Conference League MVPs
? Benjamin Šeško (RB Leipzig – loaned to Partizan)
Position: Striker
Stats: 8 goals in 7 matches
The young Slovenian striker has taken the Conference League by storm. His pace, aerial strength, and finishing touch make him one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
League impact:
Šeško’s success highlights the scouting acumen of Eastern European clubs and raises the profile of the Serbian SuperLiga.
? Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta – Serie A)
Position: Forward
Stats: 6 goals, 3 assists
Scamacca’s physical presence and ability to drop deep for link-up play have defined Atalanta’s run. He’s proving himself as a European-level striker, which helps boost his club’s and league’s image.
? Jens Odgaard (AZ Alkmaar – Eredivisie)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Stats: 4 goals, 5 assists
AZ Alkmaar’s impressive quarterfinal run owed much to Odgaard’s creativity. His long-range goals and set-piece deliveries were game changers.
League impact:
His rise is another feather in the Eredivisie’s cap as a league that develops creative, technically gifted midfielders.
? Honorable Mentions by League
Player | Club | League | Tournament |
---|---|---|---|
Martin Ødegaard | Arsenal | Premier League | UCL |
Pedri | Barcelona | La Liga | UCL |
Dominik Szoboszlai | Liverpool | Premier League | UEL |
Rasmus Højlund | Manchester United | Premier League | UEL |
Igor Paixão | Feyenoord | Eredivisie | UEL |
Taison | Internacional | Brazilian League | UCL Qualifiers |
Kristijan Jaki? | Dinamo Zagreb | Croatian League | UECL |
? Market Value vs Match Value
While transfer values often steal the headlines, true player value is about how much they deliver when it matters most. Many of this season’s MVPs weren’t the most expensive players on the pitch, but their influence outweighed price tags.
This new reality reflects the broader trend: football is no longer about brand names alone—it’s about what you do in the big moments, no matter which league you play in.
? How These MVPs Are Reshaping the League Hierarchy
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La Liga is reclaiming its identity through versatile midfielders like Bellingham and Pedri.
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Premier League remains dominant in talent export, but recent exits may spark tactical introspection.
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Serie A is finding a new generation of heroes, with Lautaro and Scamacca carrying the torch.
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Eredivisie and Eastern European leagues are finally gaining long-overdue respect on the continental stage.
The performance of these MVPs not only influences the clubs they represent but shifts the entire perception of their league.
? Final Thoughts
This season’s UEFA competitions have proven once again that individual brilliance can transcend club size or league prestige. From Jude Bellingham’s all-around dominance to Odgaard’s tactical flair, these MVPs have captivated fans and changed games with their performances.
But more importantly, they’ve redefined how we measure the strength and value of a league.
? Back Your League’s Best—And Help Build the Future of Football!
These MVPs didn’t just shine for their clubs—they represented their entire league on Europe’s biggest stage. Show your support by following your domestic talents, amplifying their success, and backing the growth of your league. Because the next great European MVP could come from your backyard.