FIFA has officially unveiled the nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025, recognizing outstanding achievements from the past year, including the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Notably, this marks the fourth straight year without Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo on the men’s player shortlist, signaling a shift in the sport’s landscape.
Voting for the shortlists opened today (November 6, 2025) via the FIFA app and will close on November 28, 2025, at 23:59 CET. The gala ceremony is scheduled for early 2026, with final winners determined by a mix of fan, media, national team captain, and coach votes.
Here’s a breakdown of the key categories and nominees:Best Men’s PlayerEleven stars were shortlisted, blending young talents and established performers:
- Ousmane Dembélé (PSG/France)
- Achraf Hakimi (PSG/Morocco)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid/France)
- Nuno Mendes (PSG/Portugal)
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea/England)
- Pedri (Barcelona/Spain)
- Raphinha (Barcelona/Brazil)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool/Egypt)
- Vitinha (PSG/Portugal)
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona/Spain)
Early favorites include Mbappé for his Club World Cup heroics and Yamal for his breakout Euro 2024 performances.
Best Women’s PlayerThe women’s shortlist highlights global standouts:
- Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea/France)
- Nathalie Björn (Chelsea/Sweden)
- Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain)
- Lucy Bronze (Chelsea/England)
- Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal/Spain)
- Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current/Malawi)
- Kadidiatou Diani (Olympique Lyonnais/France)
- Melchie Dumornay (Olympique Lyonnais/Haiti)
- Lauren James (Chelsea/England)
- Alexia Putellas (Barcelona/Spain)
- Sam Kerr (Chelsea/Australia) (Note: Kerr’s inclusion is based on partial lists; full confirmation pending official FIFA update)
- Ewa Pajor (Barcelona/Poland)
Bonmatí is the defending champion and a strong contender for a third straight win.
Best Men’s Coach
- Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
- Luis Enrique (PSG)
- Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
- (Additional nominees like Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola expected in full list; partial from sources)
Best Women’s Coach
- Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea)
- Sarina Wiegman (England)
Other Categories
- Best Goalkeepers (Men’s and Women’s): Shortlists pending full reveal, but expect names like Alisson Becker and Mary Earps.
- FIFA Fan Award: Includes Alejandro Ciganotto (Argentina), who walked from Argentina to Brazil for a Copa Libertadores match.
- Puskás Award: For the best goal of the year—nominations to follow.
- Best Men’s/Women’s XI: Team of the year selections
