The Best FIFA Men's Player 2025: Eleven Contenders

From August 2024 to August 2025, eleven players defined elite football. PSG's Champions League triumph, Barcelona's domestic dominance, and individual brilliance across Europe set the stage for FIFA's most prestigious award.

The PSG Quartet: Champions League Glory

Four Paris Saint-Germain players earned nominations after the club's historic first UEFA Champions League title, capped by a 5-0 demolition of Inter Milan in the final.

Ousmane Dembélé claimed both Champions League Player of the Season and Ligue 1 Player of the Year honors. The 28-year-old French winger orchestrated PSG's domestic double (Ligue 1 and Coupe de France) and their swashbuckling run to the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea ended their dreams at MetLife Stadium.

Achraf Hakimi cemented his status as world football's premier wing-back. The Morocco international's attacking instincts shone in the Club World Cup, where he registered two goals and two assists as PSG eliminated Inter Miami, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid in succession, scoring 10 and conceding none in those knockout ties.

Nuno Mendes mirrored Hakimi's impact from the opposite flank. The 23-year-old Portugal international scored in both legs of PSG's Champions League quarter-final against Aston Villa, featured in all seven Club World Cup matches, and crowned his season by scoring in Portugal's UEFA Nations League final victory over Spain.

Vitinha, the midfield conductor, earned the adidas Silver Ball at the Club World Cup for his consistent excellence. The Portuguese playmaker added Nations League glory to his Champions League medal and PSG's domestic double, controlling games with technical precision and tactical intelligence.

Barcelona's Spanish Triumvirate

Barcelona's domestic dominance under Hansi Flick produced three nominees as the Catalans claimed La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de España.

Raphinha was named La Liga Player of the Season after an outstanding campaign. The Brazilian winger's two goals sparked a thrilling 5-2 Supercopa victory over Real Madrid in January. In the Champions League, he shared top scorer honors with 13 goals and led all players with nine assists before Barcelona's semi-final exit to Inter Milan.

Pedri orchestrated Barcelona's midfield with fleet-footed elegance. The playmaker was pivotal in La Liga success and Copa del Rey glory over Real Madrid, adding another Clásico triumph in the Supercopa. Spain reached the Nations League final with Pedri pulling strings, falling to Portugal on penalties.

Lamine Yamal continued to defy his age with astonishing maturity. The teenage sensation scored in the Champions League round of 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals, and found the net against Real Madrid in the Supercopa. His performances showcased ability and confidence that belied his tender years.

The Premier League King

Mohamed Salah ruled England with phenomenal attacking returns. Liverpool's Egyptian talisman fired the Reds to their 20th top-flight crown, finishing 10 points clear of Arsenal. His Premier League record-equaling 47 goal contributions (29 goals, 18 assists) earned him the Golden Boot and Player of the Season honors. Salah was also named in the CAF Team of the Year for his displays with Egypt.

The Bundesliga Marksman

Harry Kane continued his metronomic goalscoring for Bayern Munich. The England striker netted 26 Bundesliga goals as Bayern claimed the title, earning Player of the Season recognition. He added 11 Champions League goals, including four in one match against Dinamo Zagreb, and scored three times in the Club World Cup before PSG eliminated Bayern in the quarter-finals.

Real Madrid's Superstar

Kylian Mbappé returned to Lusail Stadium, scene of his World Cup final hat-trick, to score as Real Madrid won the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in December 2024. The France international netted in the UEFA Super Cup final against Atalanta and claimed the Pichichi Trophy with 31 La Liga goals, though Real finished runners-up to Barcelona. His goalscoring across all competitions earned him the European Golden Shoe.

Chelsea's Club World Cup Hero

Cole Palmer was unstoppable in the Club World Cup final, scoring twice in a devastating first half as Chelsea upset PSG 3-0. The 23-year-old England international won the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award and claimed the adidas Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. He'd already guided Chelsea to UEFA Conference League glory, earning Player of the Match honors in the final against Real Betis.

The Vote

The qualification period ran from August 11, 2024, to August 2, 2025. Fans worldwide can now vote for their choice at FIFA.com.

Previous winners include Vinicius Jr (2024), Lionel Messi (2023), and a legacy stretching back to Lothar Matthäus in 1991. This year's shortlist reflects football's shifting power dynamics, PSG's breakthrough, Barcelona's resurgence, and individual excellence across Europe's elite competitions.

The winner will be announced at The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, joining an illustrious list of legends who've claimed the sport's most prestigious individual honor.