Ousmane Dembélé named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year
The FIFA Best Awards ceremony, which honors the top performers of 2025, was held in Doha, the capital of Qatar. The event marked the 10th edition of the FIFA Best Awards and was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, members of the FIFA Council, representatives of national associations, and distinguished guests from across the football world.
Awards were presented for the best male and female players, goalkeepers, coaches, the FIFA World 11, as well as the best goal and fan awards. Candidates for the men’s and women’s goal of the year will be announced at a later date. Football fans worldwide took part in the voting process across multiple categories, including the FIFA Men’s World 11 and Women’s World 11.
Men’s Player of the Year: Ousmane Dembélé
Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé was voted FIFA Men’s Player of the Year. The French international enjoyed an outstanding season, helping PSG secure titles in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, Ligue 1, French Cup, and French Super Cup.
At 28 years old, Dembélé claimed this prestigious honor for the first time in his career. He had also previously won the Ballon d’Or. During the season, he scored 35 goals in 53 appearances, playing a decisive role in PSG’s trophy-laden campaign.
Women’s Player of the Year: Aitana Bonmatí
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí received the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award after starring in the UEFA Women’s Champions League with her club and reaching the final of the UEFA Women’s European Championship with Spain. Bonmatí was named Most Valuable Player in both competitions and earned the award for the third consecutive year.
Coaches of the Year
PSG head coach Luis Enrique was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the club to its first-ever UEFA Champions League title. Under his guidance, PSG also won Ligue 1, the French Cup, and the French Super Cup, while finishing runners-up at the FIFA Club World Cup.
In women’s football, England head coach Sarina Wiegman won the Women’s Coach of the Year award. The 56-year-old Dutch coach guided England to victory at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, earning her fifth FIFA coaching honor.
Goalkeepers and Special Awards
Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year following a successful season with PSG and his move to Manchester City. The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award went to Chelsea and England international Hannah Hampton.
The FIFA Puskás Award for the best men’s goal was won by Independiente’s Santiago Montiel, whose spectacular bicycle kick against Independiente Rivadavia in May captured global attention.
The FIFA Marta Award, presented for the second time to honor the best goal in women’s football, was claimed by Tigres forward Lizbeth Ovalle for her goal against Guadalajara.
The FIFA Fair Play Award was presented to Dr. Andreas Harlass-Neuking, team doctor of Germany’s Jahn Regensburg, for saving the life of a supporter who collapsed in the stands before a Bundesliga 2 match in April.
The FIFA Fan Award went to supporters of Iraqi club Zakho, who demonstrated remarkable solidarity by throwing thousands of stuffed toys onto the pitch ahead of a league match to support children battling illness.
FIFA World 11 Selections
The FIFA and FIFPro World 11 teams were announced as follows:
Men’s World 11:
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes
Midfielders: Cole Palmer, Vitinha, Pedri, Jude Bellingham
Forwards: Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal
Women’s World 11:
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton
Defenders: Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí, Patricia Guijarro, Claudia Pina
Forwards: Alexia Putellas, Alessia Russo, Mariona Caldentey
