The FIFA Best Awards, while perhaps overshadowed by the prestige of the Ballon d’Or, showcased a transparent voting process that engaged the football community in a significant way. The winners for the top male and female players of 2025 were determined by votes from coaches, captains, and media representatives from each international federation, revealing interesting trends in the beautiful game’s global landscape.
One of the standout stories of the evening was Ousmane Dembélé’s commanding triumph. The PSG winger received overwhelming support, earning first-place votes from 325 of the 584 voters, which was more than all other candidates combined. Notable football stars, including Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, and others, endorsed Dembélé, recognizing his remarkable performance over the season.
The impact of success in major tournaments such as the UEFA Champions League was reflected in the award results. Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently joined Manchester City, was named the best goalkeeper, highlighting that six members of last season’s PSG team made it into the FIFA Best XI for 2024-25.
In a compelling display of national pride, England’s coaches exercised their preferences, with Thomas Tuchel notably selecting two English players in his top choices. Harry Kane received significant backing, with multiple coaches from various nations naming him the standout player of the past year after his impressive 48-goal tally for club and country. Cole Palmer also garnered acclaim, particularly following his heroics in the Club World Cup final.
Sarina Wiegman, head coach of the Lionesses, mirrored this sentiment by voting for her players, including Lucy Bronze as her top pick for women’s player of the year. Wiegman recognized the contributions of her squad, reflecting a strong loyalty towards her team amidst the competition.
Changes in coaching dynamics were also noticeable, especially with Emma Hayes, the new USWNT head coach, moving away from her Chelsea roots. She nominated Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey and Russo, signaling a new direction for her as she embraces her role with the national team.
Mohamed Salah continued to garner respect from his peers despite Liverpool’s ups and downs last season. He was acknowledged by several teammates and coaches globally, retaining his reputation as one of football’s premier talents.
In contrast, the women’s voting in Spain raised eyebrows, with national team captain Irene Paredes favoring players other than the eventual winner Aitana Bonmati. The selections made by Paredes and Spain’s coach Sonia Bermudez indicated the fierce competition and depth of talent within the squad.
Finally, the appointment of Roberto Martinez as coach of the year surprised many, considering his relatively short tenure with Portugal during the voting period. His success in the Nations League showcased his ability to galvanize a team under pressure, although some questioned whether it compared to the achievements of others, such as Luis Enrique at PSG.
Overall, the FIFA Best Awards highlighted not only individual talent but also the importance of team dynamics and national pride within the footballing world. Such recognition serves to inspire players and coaches alike, reinforcing the collective ambition that defines the sport.