Full List of Nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025: Dembélé, Mbappé, Yamal lead the pack

The race for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award is heating up after the world football governing body unveiled its 11-man shortlist for 2025. The lineup features some of the sport’s biggest names — and a few surprise inclusions — from clubs across Europe.

The award, first introduced by FIFA in 2016, celebrates the player with the most outstanding performance and achievements over the calendar year. Fans, journalists, national team coaches, and captains will vote to determine the winner.

Full List of 2025 Nominees

Player Highlights

Ousmane Dembélé (PSG, France)
Fresh off a Champions League triumph with PSG, Dembélé’s 2025 has been nothing short of spectacular. The Ballon d’Or winner netted 119 goals across all competitions this season, leading Paris to multiple domestic and continental trophies.

Achraf Hakimi (PSG, Morocco)
Hakimi’s attacking prowess from the backline remained unmatched. The Moroccan international scored five goals this year and played a crucial role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign and Morocco’s deep World Cup run.

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich, England)
Kane spearheaded Bayern’s 16-game winning streak, scoring 22 goals and continuing his elite form ahead of the 2026 World Cup. His finishing consistency remains one of the sharpest in Europe.

Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France)
Mbappé’s move to Real Madrid has been electric. With 13 goals in 11 La Liga appearances, the French superstar also picked up the European Golden Shoe and remains one of football’s most lethal forwards.

Nuno Mendes (PSG, Portugal)
A vital cog in Luis Enrique’s PSG, Mendes scored key goals in the Champions League quarter-finals and UEFA Nations League final, where Portugal edged Spain.

Cole Palmer (Chelsea, England)
Palmer’s breakthrough year saw him shine brightest at the FIFA Club World Cup, where Chelsea beat PSG 3-0. His two-goal performance earned him the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.

Pedri (Barcelona, Spain)
Under Hansi Flick, Pedri was central to Barcelona’s La Liga and Copa del Rey double, and helped Spain reach the Nations League final. His midfield control and vision continue to stand out.

Raphinha (Barcelona, Brazil)
Raphinha produced a remarkable 34-goal season, lifting the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España titles. His brace against Real Madrid in the Supercopa final remains one of the highlights of Barça’s year.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt)
Salah dominated the Premier League once again, recording 47 goal contributions (29 goals, 18 assists). He earned both the Golden Boot and Player of the Season awards in England.

Vitinha (PSG, Portugal)
Vitinha’s consistency anchored PSG’s midfield. His standout performance at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he claimed the Silver Ball, capped off an exceptional campaign.

Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain)
The 17-year-old phenomenon added La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España medals to his growing collection. His goal against Real Madrid in the Supercopa final cemented his rise as one of football’s brightest talents.

Last year’s winner, Vinícius Júnior, claimed the 2024 Best FIFA Men’s Player award.

Nigeria's Nnadozie nominated for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper

Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie continues to shine on the world stage after being shortlisted for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper 2025. The Brighton and Paris FC star had an outstanding year, keeping four clean sheets as the Super Falcons won the 2024 WAFCON, conceding only three goals all tournament.

FIFA praised her heroics in the Coupe de France final, where she saved two penalties as Paris FC stunned PSG. The 24-year-old also finished fourth in the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy rankings and is chasing a third consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year crown.

Other nominees include:

• Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany)
• Cata Coll (Spain)
• Christiane Endler (Chile)
• Hannah Hampton (England)
• Anna Moorhouse (England)
• Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA)

How to Vote

Fans can register and cast their votes on FIFA.com. Voting covers Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Best Manager, and Best XI categories for both men and women.

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