Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice breaks into Champions League Team of the Season

The midfielder earned the honour from the UEFA Technical Observer Group, who praised his "outstanding performances" and "incredible free-kicks".

Rice played a pivotal role throughout the campaign, starting 12 of his side's 13 matches and completing the full 90 minutes in seven of them.

His consistency and influence in midfield proved vital as his club advanced deep into the tournament.

Among his standout contributions was a sensational display in the first leg of the quarter-finals, where he scored two superb free-kicks in a dominant 3-0 home victory over Real Madrid. His set-piece prowess was a defining feature of his European run, drawing widespread acclaim.

Earlier in the campaign, Rice scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 win at home to Dinamo Zagreb during the group stage and provided a key assist for Gabriel in a commanding 5-1 away triumph against Sporting CP.

He was also involved in further goals across both legs of the round of 16 tie against PSV Eindhoven, showcasing his all-round attacking threat.

Champions League Team of the Season

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain)

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Declan Rice (Arsenal)

Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (Barcelona) 

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