FIFA announces nominees for The Best 2025 award, with Barcelona forward Raphinha as the only Brazilian representative in the best male player category. The event, which rewards the highlights of the season between August 2024 and August 2025, takes place in Zurich, Switzerland, and highlights the performance of athletes in clubs and national teams. Vinicius Junior, winner in 2024 with Real Madrid, does not appear on this year’s list, making room for new competitors such as Ousmane Dembélé, current Ballon d’Or winner, and Lamine Yamal, from Barcelona.
Popular voting is now open on the entity’s website and runs until November 28, influencing the choice of winners alongside coaches, team captains and journalists from 211 member federations. In total, 11 names compete for the men’s trophy, while Brazil has a presence in other categories, such as the best goalkeeper award with Alisson, from Liverpool.
The ceremony completes the awards with nominations for goalkeepers, coaches and the ideal team of the year, chosen only by fans from 88 names. Raphinha, with 34 goals and 25 assists this season, emerges as a favorite among Brazilians, contributing to Barcelona’s titles in La Liga and Copa del Rey.
Highlights in the men’s category
Raphinha enters the fight strongly for the main cup. The player scored decisive goals in classics against Real Madrid. His versatility in attack caught the attention of European coaches.
Other names weigh in on the dispute. Dembélé, from PSG, leads after victory in the Champions League. Yamal, Raphinha’s teammate, impresses with his youth and dribbling.
- Mbappé, from Real Madrid: 22 goals in La Liga and lethal speed.
- Salah, from Liverpool: 34 goals in the Premier League and leading in assists.
- Pedri, from Barcelona: Physical recovery and game vision in midfield.
Brazilian presence in goalkeepers
Alisson Becker competes for the best goalkeeper award. The Brazilian from Liverpool had 18 clean sheets this season. His save in the Premier League final was crucial to the title.
Courtois, from Real Madrid, appears as a direct rival. The Belgian conceded just 22 goals in 38 games. Donnarumma, ex-PSG and now at Manchester City, saves in decisive penalties.
Neuer, from Bayern, completes the strong group. The German, at 39 years old, maintained a 75% success rate in European games.
Complete list of men’s coaches
Seven coaches compete in the men’s category. Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta transformed the team into runners-up in the Premier League. His high-pressing tactics yielded 28 wins in 38 matches.
Hansi Flick, from Barcelona, increased his offensive performance. The team scored 112 goals in La Liga under his command.
Liverpool’s Arne Slot took over after Klopp and kept the momentum going. The Dutchman implemented rotations that reduced injuries by 40%.
Luis Enrique, from PSG, won the Champions League with an average ball possession of 68%. Enzo Maresca, from Chelsea, brought defensive balance with just 24 goals conceded.
Roberto Martinez, Portugal coach, guided the team to the European Championship title. Javier Aguirre, from Mexico, surprised with an undefeated campaign in Concacaf.
Names in women’s football
The female category lists 17 nominees without Brazilians. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí dominates with 20 goals and 15 assists. Alexia Putellas, also Catalan, returned from injury with leadership on the field.
Chelsea’s Lauren James has scored in 80% of her Women’s Super League matches. Arsenal’s Alessia Russo contributed to England’s treble.
Among goalkeepers, Cata Coll, from Barcelona, had 22 clean sheets. Lyon’s Christiane Endler savedpenalties in continental finals.
World team with 11 Brazilians
Brazil leads with 11 names in the ideal selection. Goalkeepers like Alisson and Weverton, from Palmeiras, stand out for their reflexes and ball distribution.
Defenders Thiago Silva, from Fluminense, and Marquinhos, from PSG, form an experienced duo. Gabriel Magalhães, from Arsenal, adds speed when passing the ball.
Forwards like Vinicius Junior, despite being outside the individual, comes in for consistency. Raphinha and João Pedro, from Chelsea, complete the versatile attack.
Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, surprises with dribbling and goals in the Libertadores. Fábio, from Fluminense, at 44 years old, breaks the record for games without conceding goals.
Popular voting defines the initial 11 among 88 nominees. The evaluated period runs from August 11, 2024 to August 2, 2025, focusing on performance and fair play.
