Ousmane Dembélé has been named FIFA Best Player of the Year, marking a major moment in his career. The Paris Saint-Germain forward received the honour at a FIFA awards ceremony held in Doha. He finished ahead of fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé of Real Madrid and Barcelona’s teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal.
On the women’s side, Barcelona star Aitana Bonmatí claimed the award for Best Female Player. Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane was also among the nominees in the men’s category.
In the goalkeeping category, Gianluigi Donnarumma took home the prize. The Italian shot-stopper was recognised for his impressive displays for PSG last season. The 26-year-old played a key role as the Paris club lifted their first-ever UEFA Champions League title. In the women’s goalkeeping category, Chelsea and England goalkeeper Hannah Hampton emerged as the winner.
Dembélé also added another major accolade to his collection, having already won this year’s Ballon d’Or. Completing both awards in the same year is rare. Last season, Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or, while Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was named FIFA’s Best Player.
PSG featured strongly across the nominations, with Achraf Hakimi, Vitinha and Nuno Mendes all shortlisted. Other notable nominees included Raphinha, Pedri and Lamine Yamal of Barcelona, as well as Mbappé, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah.
Donnarumma edged out competition from Manuel Neuer, Alisson, Thibaut Courtois, Emiliano Martínez, David Raya, Wojciech Szczesny and Yann Sommer.
PSG coach Luis Enrique was named Best Coach, beating rivals such as Hansi Flick, Mikel Arteta, Arne Slot, Enzo Maresca, Roberto Martínez and Javier Aguirre.
The Puskás Award for Goal of the Year went to Santiago Montiel of Independiente, who stunned fans with a bicycle kick in May 2025. Reflecting on the moment, Montiel said he acted on instinct and didn’t overthink the strike.
Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which is decided solely by journalists, FIFA’s award includes votes from national team coaches, captains and fans, alongside media representatives, giving it a broader voting base.
