PSG stands out, Dembélé is the favorite to win the FIFA’s Best award; see the list of nominees

The French striker Ousmane Dembélé, of PSG-FRA, could arrive in the duel with Flamengo, in the final of the Intercontinental Club Cup, with the status of best in the world in the two main football awards. Already winner of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, promoted by France Football magazine, he is also the favorite for FIFA’s The Best, which will take place this Tuesday, at 2 p.m. (Brasilia time), on the eve of the final between the French and Brazilian clubs – as in the last edition, the headquarters of both events is in Doha, Qatar.

Launched in 1991, the FIFA award ran alongside the Ballon d’Or between 2010 and 2015, but they quickly went their separate ways.

The Best rewards the best outfield players, goalkeepers and coaches, in both men’s and women’s football, for the European season (August 2024 to August 2025).

Raphinha, from Barcelona-ESP, is the only Brazilian in competition with the French striker. His compatriot Vinicícius Junior, winner of the last edition, was excluded from the conflict. Between them, the list is made up of eight other big names, such as the Frenchman Kylian Mbappé, from Real Madrid-ESP and the Englishman Harry Kane, from Bayern Munich-ALE.

Vote difference between Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best

Despite Dembélé’s favoritism, there is hope for a new result, as the awards have a different voting system.

In the case of the Ballon d’Or, the winner is chosen after the vote of 100 journalists from around the world, choosing 30 names pre-selected by the magazine. The Best divides the votes of the captains and coaches of FIFA-affiliated teams into equal weights, as well as those of a journalist from each country and the popular vote.

Thus, the three players, three coaches and three goalkeepers designated by each member of the jury will receive five points, three points or one point respectively, depending on their position. The Prize will be awarded to the person who obtains the greatest number of points in each category.

List of nominees for The Best 2025

Ousmane Dembélé (France/PSG)
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/PSG)
Harry Kane (England/Bayern Munich)
Kylian Mbappé (France/Real Madrid)
Nuno Mendes (Portugal/PSG)
Cole Palmer (England/Chelsea)
Pedri (Spain/Barcelona)
Raphinha (Brazil/Barcelona)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool)
Vitinha (Portugal/PSG)
Lamine Yamal (Spain/Barcelona)

Alisson and Marta remain in the running

Brazil still has Liverpool-ING’s Alisson Becker in the running for best goalkeeper. Marta (Orlando Pride-USA), Lucas Ribeiro (Leonesa-ESP) and Alerrandro (CSKA-RUS) are competing for the prize for the best goal. At the time they were scoring the goals, Lucas was playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and Alerrando was playing for Vitória.

If Dembélé is the favorite to win The Best for men, Aitana Bonmati is the big candidate for women. The Barcelona midfielder could win the award for the third time in a row, a few months after also winning her third Ballon d’Or. The Spaniard will not be in Doha because she is recovering from an operation on her left fibula, which she recently fractured.

The trend is for PSG to also be predominant in the awards. Spaniard Luis Enrique, who led the French to their first European title, is the favorite to be crowned coach of the year. Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma, who currently plays for Manchester City, has a great chance of winning the best goalkeeper award.

The event will take place at the luxurious Fairmont Katara Hall in Doha and will include a gala dinner for 800 guests. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been in the Qatari capital since the weekend when he presented the Challenger Cup trophy to Flamengo – a 2-0 victory over Pyramids – and will be in attendance. Likewise, the leaders of the entity, former players and ambassadors will be present.