French striker Ousmane Dembelé (Paris Saint-Germain) and Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona) were awarded the FIFA The Best award for the best players in the world in the 2025 season. The announcement was made during a traditional gala ceremony held this year in Doha (Qatar). The two won the award after being elected in a vote that brought together journalists, coaches, team captains and fans. In September, Dembelê and Bonmatí had already won the prize Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football magazine.
Last year, FIFA The Best went to striker Vinícius Júnior, from the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid. This year, Raphinha (Barcelona) also competed in the best of the year category, as did Alisson (Liverpool), who competed for best goalkeeper of the season. However, neither of the two players on the Brazilian team received the award.
Dembelê was named the best of the year for the first time. He overcame another 10 nominees for FIFA The Best. The 28-year-old striker was PSG’s main highlight in 2024/2025, helping the team to win titles: French Championship, French Super Cup, French Cup and UEFA Champions League. UEFA. The player scored 37 goals and 16 assists. In addition to best player of the season, the striker was also elected to the FIFA The Best team of the year category.
First time was so nice, she had to do it thrice. 🤩#TheBest FIFA Women’s Player 2025: Aitana Bonmatí. 🏆
— FIFA Women’s World Cup (@FIFAWWC) December 16, 2025
Spanish Aitana Bonmatí, aged 27, was chosen for the third consecutive time as the best player of the year by The Fifa Best. The Barcelona midfielder competed in the category with 16 other players, including teammate Alexia Putellas, winner of FIFA The Best in 2021 and 2022. Barça’s star player this season, Bonmatí was also elected the best player in the 2024/25 Champions League, despite the Catalan team’s defeat to Arsenal in the tournament final. The midfielder was also chosen to be part of the team of the year.
The FIFA The Best award evaluated players’ performance from August 11, 2024 to August 2, 2025.
Fifa The Best award sellers
Best goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City and Italy national team)
Best goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea and Italy national team)
Puskás Award: Santiago Montiel (Independiente)
Marta Award: Lizbeth Ovalle (Orlando Pride)
FIFA Fan Award: Zakho SC fans
Best coach: Sarina Wiegman (England national team)
Best coach: Luis Enrique (PSG)
Men’s team of the season: Donnarumma (Manchester City and Italy), Hakimi (PSG and Morocco), Willian Pacho (PSG), Van Dijk (Liverpool), Nuno Mendes (PSG and Portugal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea and England), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England), Vitinha (PSG and Portugal), Pedri (Barcelona and Spain), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona and Spain) and Ousmane Dembélé (PSG and France).
Women’s team of the season: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea and England), Lucy Bronze (Chelsea and England), Leah Williamson (Arsenal and England), Irene Paredes (Barcelona and Spain), Ona Batlle (Barcelona and Spain), Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona and Spain), Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona and Spain), Claudia Pina (Barcelona and Spain), Alexia Putellas (Barcelona and Spain), Alessia Russo (Arsenal and England) and Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal and Spain).
Best player: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)
Best player: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
