Dembélé, Kane, and Yamal Lead Star-Studded Nominee List for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2025

The stage is set for another thrilling battle in the world of football as FIFA has unveiled the nominees for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2025 award. Headlining the prestigious list are Ousmane Dembélé, Harry Kane, and the prodigious young talent Lamine Yamal, promising a captivating contest for one of the sport's most coveted individual accolades. 

The shortlist features an elite collection of 11 players, showcasing a blend of established superstars and emerging talents who have illuminated the footballing landscape over the past season. Among the contenders are several familiar names who have consistently delivered at the highest level, alongside exciting prospects who have burst onto the scene with remarkable displays. The inclusion of these athletes underscores the dynamic nature of modern football and the continuous emergence of new stars.

PSG star Ousmane Dembélé has enjoyed a career defining season, marked by his pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain's UEFA Champions League triumph and a domestic double. His performances were so impactful that he was named the Champions League Player of the Season and Ligue 1 Player of the Year, further cementing his status as a top-tier talent. Dembélé also secured the 2025 Ballon d'Or, demonstrating his exceptional form and influence on the pitch.

Bayern's Harry Kane is another formidable contender, having finally ended his wait for major silverware by winning the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich. His prolific goal scoring record continued unabated, making him the league's top scorer for the second consecutive season. Kane's consistent ability to find the back of the net, both for club and country, makes him a constant threat and a strong candidate for the award.

 

The emergence of Lamine Yamal has been one of the most talked about stories of the season. The young sensation has not only established himself as a key player for Barcelona but has also made a significant impact on the international stage. Yamal's performances have been so impressive that he has been recognized with the Kopa Trophy in both 2024 and 2025 and finished as the runner-up for the 2025 Ballon d'Or, highlighting his extraordinary talent and potential. His inclusion in the FIFPRO World 11 at just 18 years old, becoming the youngest ever to receive this honor, further underscores his remarkable achievements.

                                               

The full list of nominees includes a host of world-class talent, such as Kylian Mbappé, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, and Vitinha. Notably absent from the nominations are footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, signaling a potential shift in the sport's dominant figures. This signifies the rise of a new generation of stars who are making their mark on the global stage.

Voting for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 is now open to fans worldwide via the official FIFA app and will conclude on November 28, 2025. The winners will be announced at a forthcoming ceremony, celebrating the pinnacle of individual achievement in football over the past season. This year's awards promise to be particularly compelling, with a diverse and talented field of nominees vying for the ultimate individual prize in football.