FIFA Announces 11 Nominees for the Best Football Player of 2025
The International Football Federation (FIFA) has unveiled a list of 11 outstanding players competing for the prestigious ‘The Best FIFA 2025’ award.
This carefully selected group features renowned athletes from various positions and clubs who have demonstrated remarkable performances over the past season and possess real chances of earning the highest accolade in world football.
Among defenders, Nuno Mendes from Portugal, playing for PSG, and Achraf Hakimi from Morocco, also with PSG, are included.
The midfielders encompass Vítinha from Portugal, representing PSG; Cole Palmer from England (‘Chelsea’); and Spanish star Pedri from ‘Barcelona’.
The winger category features players such as Mohamed Salah from Liverpool, Ousmane Dembélé from PSG, Brazilian Raphinha from ‘Barcelona’, and Lamine Yamal, also from Barcelona.
The list of top contenders for the best forward includes star players Kylian Mbappé from France, who now plays for ‘Real Madrid’, and Harry Kane from England, who recently joined Bayern Munich.
Fans, coaches, team captains, and sports journalists will participate in voting via the official FIFA website.
The voting process concludes on November 28.
Last year, the award for the best footballer was won by Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid.
The awards ceremony, ‘The Best FIFA Football Awards’, will also feature honors in other categories such as best coach, best goalkeeper, and more.
Notably, this award serves as an alternative to the Ballon d’Or, which this year was awarded to PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé.
Additionally, the first shortlist for the Ballon d’Or 2026 has been published, providing insights into upcoming football stars.