Who Was the Best Player Overall?
Donyell Malen was the best player across the selected European leagues in Gameweek 1. The Roma striker scored a brilliant hat-trick in a 4–0 victory over Fiorentina and received the only perfect 10 rating in the supplied graphic.
Barcelona captain Raphinha provided the strongest competition after recording two goals and an assist in a 5–0 victory over Elche. Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer and new Paris Saint-Germain striker Ferran Torres also started their domestic campaigns with decisive attacking performances.
The player ratings in the graphic come from PlayCope and should be treated as editorial assessments. Ratings can vary between statistical and media platforms, but the goals, assists and match results confirm that all four players had exceptional opening weekends.
Europe’s Top Gameweek 1 Performers
| Rank | Player | Club | League | Rating | Gameweek contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donyell Malen | Roma | Serie A | 10.0 | Three goals |
| 2 | Raphinha | Barcelona | La Liga | 9.9 | Two goals and one assist |
| 3 | Cole Palmer | Chelsea | Premier League | 8.9 | One goal and one assist |
| 4 | Ferran Torres | Paris Saint-Germain | Ligue 1 | 8.6 | Two goals as a substitute |
1. Donyell Malen Produces a Perfect Serie A Performance
Roma opened their 2026/27 Serie A campaign by demolishing Fiorentina 4–0 at the Stadio Olimpico. Malen was the main difference between the teams, scoring three times before being substituted in the 68th minute.
Paulo Dybala supplied the creativity, providing the passes for all three of Malen’s goals. The Dutch forward complemented that service with movement, speed and ruthless finishing.
Malen scored his first goal in the 27th minute before adding two more after halftime. Nicolò Pisilli completed the victory with Roma’s fourth goal late in the match.
Malen finished the game with:
- Three goals
- Five shots
- Twelve touches inside the opposition penalty area
- A match-winning contribution in under 70 minutes
- A perfect 10 rating in the supplied graphic
Roma also controlled the match defensively, preventing Fiorentina from creating a recognised big chance. Malen’s clinical finishing transformed that control into an emphatic opening victory. Roma’s 4–0 win was confirmed by ESPN, while Italian player ratings named him the best player on the pitch.
A hat-trick on the opening weekend is difficult to overlook. Malen combined individual brilliance with the most decisive contribution of any player featured, making him the clear Gameweek 1 winner.
2. Raphinha Inspires Barcelona’s Five-Goal Show
Raphinha began Barcelona’s La Liga title defence with a captain’s performance during a dominant 5–0 win away to Elche.
The Brazilian was involved in three of Barcelona’s five goals. He won and converted the penalty that opened the scoring, assisted Karim Adeyemi’s first Barcelona goal and later scored again following an excellent pass from debutant Anthony Gordon.
Raphinha’s Gameweek 1 numbers included:
- Two goals
- One assist
- Three chances created
- Three shots on target
- A penalty won and converted
- A 9.9 performance rating
Fermín López also scored twice, while Gordon provided two assists from the bench. However, Raphinha was the central figure in Barcelona’s attacking display.
The official Barcelona match report highlighted his brace, assist and importance in a convincing opening victory. Barça produced five goals without reply and immediately established themselves as title contenders once again.
Raphinha narrowly missed out on the overall Gameweek 1 award because Malen scored a hat-trick and received the perfect rating. Nevertheless, the Barcelona captain arguably delivered the most complete attacking performance because he scored, created and consistently troubled Elche’s defence.
3. Cole Palmer Returns to His Best for Chelsea
Cole Palmer helped Chelsea begin the Premier League season with an entertaining 3–2 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Palmer created the opening goal after only 32 seconds, flicking the ball into João Pedro’s path before the Brazilian lifted his finish over Bernd Leno. Palmer later scored Chelsea’s third goal, calmly directing his shot through the goalkeeper’s legs from a difficult angle.
The Chelsea playmaker registered:
- One goal
- One assist
- Five shots
- Five successful dribbles
- Ten duels won
- Three key passes
- Nine touches in the Fulham penalty area
- An 88% passing accuracy
Chelsea’s official analysis also credited Palmer with seven possession recoveries and three recoveries in the attacking third. His pressing contributed to the buildup of Chelsea’s first two goals. Chelsea named Palmer its Player of the Match.
His performance was particularly encouraging after an inconsistent 2025/26 season. Playing close to João Pedro and Morgan Rogers in Xabi Alonso’s system gave Palmer the freedom to receive possession between Fulham’s defence and midfield.
Chelsea still displayed defensive weaknesses by conceding twice, but Palmer’s creativity ensured Alonso started his competitive reign with three points.
4. Ferran Torres Rescues PSG on His Ligue 1 Debut
Ferran Torres made an extraordinary Paris Saint-Germain debut by coming off the bench and scoring twice to secure a 2–2 draw against Rennes.
PSG entered halftime two goals behind after strikes from Sebastian Szymański and Estéban Lepaul. Luis Enrique responded by introducing Torres at the beginning of the second half.
The Spanish forward reduced the deficit in the 71st minute after receiving a pass from Fabián Ruiz. Eleven minutes later, the same combination delivered the equaliser, with Torres guiding a well-placed header into the far corner.
Ferran’s contribution included:
- Two goals
- Both PSG goals in the match
- A match-saving equaliser
- A decisive performance after entering at halftime
- An 8.6 rating
The official PSG match report credited Torres with transforming the match and leading the second-half comeback.
Although PSG failed to secure three points, Torres prevented the champions from beginning their season with a defeat. Scoring twice during one half of a debut makes him one of the biggest Gameweek 1 stories.
Why Malen Was Gameweek 1’s Best Player
All four players produced decisive contributions, but Malen deserves the overall award for three main reasons.
First, he scored more goals than any other player on the list. Second, Roma won their game comfortably, meaning his individual performance directly delivered three points. Third, he completed his hat-trick in fewer than 70 minutes.
Raphinha was outstanding in a wider creative role, but Malen’s efficiency gave him the advantage. Palmer contributed at both ends and controlled several important attacking statistics, while Torres delivered a dramatic comeback despite playing only one half.
The final Gameweek 1 ranking is:
- Donyell Malen – Overall winner
- Raphinha – Best all-round attacking display
- Cole Palmer – Premier League’s leading performer
- Ferran Torres – Best substitute performance
What These Performances Mean for the Season
Malen’s hat-trick suggests he could become a major goalscorer under Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. His combination with Dybala will be important to the club’s Serie A ambitions.
Raphinha has already demonstrated that he can lead Barcelona’s attack and provide goals even when operating centrally. His fitness could prove decisive as Barcelona target another La Liga title.
Palmer’s goal and assist offer Chelsea supporters hope that he can return to his highest level under Xabi Alonso. His developing partnership with João Pedro and Rogers gives Chelsea an exciting attacking foundation.
For PSG, Torres’ debut brace could earn him an immediate opportunity in the starting line-up. His movement and finishing supplied exactly what the French champions needed during a difficult opening match.
Follow Europe’s Top Players with Bangbet
Football fans can follow Malen, Raphinha, Palmer, Torres and other European stars throughout the season with Bangbet. Available markets may include match winners, goalscorers, assists and total goals.
Always check confirmed starting line-ups, injuries, current form and the latest odds before placing a bet. No player performance or betting outcome is guaranteed.
Bet responsibly with Bangbet. Gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and above. Only stake what you can afford to lose and never chase losses.
