The FIFA federation has announced the list of 11 nominees for “The Best” player award of 2025. The players nominated are represented by different clubs. These nominees announced by FIFA generate great interest among football fans across the world throughout the year.
The winner will be chosen among the nominees as the player with the highest level of achievements and performance throughout the year.
What is the FIFA Best Player award?
The Best Player award is an award presented annually by the FIFA federation since 2016. This award is honored to the player with the highest achievements and best performance over the yearly calendar.
| Name | Country | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Ousmane Dembélé | France | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Harry Kane | England | Bayern Munich |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | Real Madrid |
| Nuno Mendes | Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Cole Palmer | England | Chelsea |
| Pedri | Spain | Barcelona |
| Raphinha | Brazil | Barcelona |
| Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool |
| Vitinha | Portugal | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | Barcelona |
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi: How Far Are the Legends from Their 1000 Goal Milestone?
Ousmane Dembele
Dembele had a stunning season with Paris Saint-Germain leading them to the UEFA Champions League glory. The 28-year-old Frenchman won the most recent Ballon d’Or with the club, displaying his outstanding performances across all leagues. He has 119 goals so far for PSG in the 2025-26 season.
Achraf Hakimi
The Moroccan international Hakimi is one of the most recognized wingbacks in the football world. Hakimi posed a constant threat to the opposition in the FIFA world cup. Hakimi scored five goals this year.
Harry Kane
Munich striker Kane has contributed to the club’s record of a 16-game winning streak, out of which the English player netted 22 goals. Harry Kane looks in perfect form for the 2026 world cup with his national team.
Kylian Mbappe
The Frenchman’s brilliant performance in the 2022 FIFA world cup against Argentina was an absolute sensation in the history of football. He led the team into penalties by scoring a hattrick. Mbappe’s goalscoring exploits in all competitions saw him claim the European Golden Shoe. He scored 13 goals in 11 La Liga appearances.
Nuno Mendes
The Portugal international was a key member of Luis Enrique’s impressive squad who eased their way to UEFA Champions League glory in 2025, scoring in both legs of PSG’s quarter-final success against Aston Villa. The 23-year-old featured in all seven of PSG’s FIFA Club World Cup outings and helped his country to UEFA Nations League glory after scoring in the final against Spain.
Cole Palmer
Palmer was of pure masterclass against Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup final as Chelsea gained a victory of 3-0. The England international scored twice in the English Premier League outfit as he was named Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match and claimed the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player. He has at least scored five goals this year.
Pedri
The Spaniard played a pivotal role for Barcelona under Hansi Flick during the 2024/25 season as they claimed the top spot in the La Liga league beating Real Madrid in the table and winning the Copa del Rey against their rivals. Pedri helped Spain reach the UEFA Nations League final, only to be defeated by Portugal on penalties.
Raphinha
Raphinha’s contribution for Barcelona in the La Liga was outstanding as he was named player of the season followed by his victory in lifting the Copa del Rey trophy with Barcelona. Further, the Brazilian lifted the trophy as he scored two goals against their long-term rivals Real Madrid in a 5-2 victory in the Supercopa de Espana. He scored 34 goals in all competitions in this year.
Mohamed Salah
Liverpool’s Salah ruled the English Premier League in 2024/25 with his phenomenal attacking. The Egyptian recorded a Premier League record-equalling 47 goal contributions, with 29 goals and 18 assists seeing him claim the division’s Golden Boot and named the player of the season. Scoring 6 goals in all competitions in the 2025 calendar so far.
Vitinha
The fourth member of the PSG squad to be nominated, making the club with the most nominations. Vitinha played a pivotal role as PSG brushed aside top-tier opponents to reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, earning the adidas Silver Ball for his consistent displays prior to defeat by Chelsea in the global showpiece.
Lamine Yamal
Barcelona’s teenage sensation is one of the best current players in the world. Domestic glory was secured in the shape of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana trophies, with the precocious youngster on target against Real Madrid in the latter of these with a major contribution ahead of the Spanish teenager. Yamal scored 4 goals this year.
The Brazilian forward, Vinicius junior is the current winner of the FIFA Best Player, winning it in 2024.
How to vote?
The football fans can register for free on the FIFA official website FIFA.com and vote for the best player. Along with the best player lies another three categories, they choose their playing XI, the best goalkeeper and the best manager. This also falls the same for the women’s division.
Written by: Atin Kevin Fernandez.