Welcome to #Euro2016Rank, a weeklong look at the top 25 players we expect to see at the European Championship. Over 50 ESPN FC experts and writers from across the globe voted, and we're rolling out the results right up to opening day, when France plays Romania on June 10.
Why is Mats Hummels in the top 25?
Effortlessly classy in possession of the ball and a supreme organiser of a defence, Hummels maintains the traditions of the finest German defenders, but in a very modern way. A World Cup winner in 2014, Hummels in May rejoined Bayern Munich, where he began his career before being allowed to slip away to Borussia Dortmund in 2009. In Westphalia, he established himself as one of the best ball-playing defenders in the game, the foundation for that club's success under Jurgen Klopp. Bayern eventually had to admit their mistake and signed him for a fee of approximately €35 million.
What the experts say about Hummels:
"He is one of the best German players along with Manuel Neuer and Thomas Muller, in terms of keeping team shape and in his performance. We are very proud of that. We already knew it, now everybody has seen his outstanding ability." -- then-Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, during the 2014 World Cup.
"The way he goes into tackles and wins them and the way he's always in the right place is hugely impressive." -- Germany manager Joachim Low, during the 2014 World Cup.
Career highlight:
Winning the World Cup is the peak of any player's career, but it was in a commanding performance and scoring the winning goal against France in the quarterfinal where he left his mark.
Stat of the season:
In 2015-16, Hummels made 29 appearances, had 85 percent passing accuracy, 78 percent shot accuracy, collected two assists and scored two goals.
What next for Hummels after Euro 2016?
He will begin a new life in the familiar surroundings of Munich, to work under incoming Bayern manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Next: No. 24, Thibaut Courtois »