French striker Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the best player in the world at Fifa The Best 2025. The ceremony, held this Tuesday (16) at Doha, at Catar, marked the victory of the Paris Saint-Germain athlete over strong competitors, such as Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Mohamed Salah.
The achievement reinforces the status of Dembélé, which had already received the Bola from Ouro in September 2024, consolidating an exceptional 2024/25 season, crowned with the Liga title from the
In addition to the main award, other prominent names were recognized during the gala:
The FIFA awards celebrate the individual and collective performances that shaped the world football scene over the period evaluated.
Consecration of Dembélé and highlights of the ceremony
The award ceremony took place at Fairmont Katara Hall, starting at 8pm local time on Catar (2pm on Brasília). Gianni Infantino, president of Fifa, opened the event, which brought together around 800 guests on the eve of the Copa Intercontinental final between PSG and Flamengo. Dembélé, present in the country with his team, received the main trophy.
The French striker stood out with 33 goals and 15 assists this season, reinforcing his status as one of the most decisive players in world football. The consecration is the result of a year of high performance and significant contributions to the club’s achievements.
Victorious trajectory of the French star
Ousmane
The recent transfer to Manchester City, which occurred after the Fifa evaluation period, did not change the recognition of his performance in the 2024/25 season. The player beat young talents like Lamine Yamal, who came second to Bola from Ouro, and veterans like Mohamed Salah.
Fifa’s democratic vote, which gives equal weight to four groups of voters, differed from Bola’s Ouro, which primarily focuses on journalists. Dembélé had already been featured in the French team in previous tournaments, but this year marked his rise to the top of world football.
Other winners and special awards
Aitana Bonmatí, absent due to injury, sent a message of thanks from Barcelona. Seus titles with the Catalan club and the Spanish national team weighed in on the vote, which combines team captains, coaches, journalists and fans. Luis Enrique celebrated PSG’s treble, including the French club’s first Champions. Gianluigi Donnarumma was chosen as the best goalkeeper, highlighting his performances for Champions, including a clean sheet in the final against Inter of Milão, while Prêmio Puskás went to Santiago Montiel, from Independiente, for a bicycle from outside the area against Rivadavia, in May, and Lizbeth Ovalle (Tigres/Orlando
Formation of ideal selections
The men’s team of the year brought together players from clubs such as PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid, reflecting victorious campaigns in the Champions and national leagues. The team had Donnarumma in goal, a solid defense composed of Hakimi, Pacho, Van Dijk and Nuno Mendes, a creative midfield with Palmer, Bellingham, Vitinha and
In the female category, names Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona predominated, with Hannah Hampton in goal and highlights such as Aitana Bonmatí. The ideal lineups summarize the balance between solid defense and efficient attack seen this season, with English and French clubs making a strong presence.
FIFA voting criteria
Fifa evaluated performances between August 2024 and August 2025.
Memorable goals and Fair Play
Santiago Montiel won the Prêmio Puskás with a spectacular bike from outside the area for Independiente against The goal, scored 12 minutes into the second half, guaranteed a 1-0 victory over the Argentine Torneio Apertura. Lizbeth Ovalle, in turn, took Prêmio Marta with an acrobatic heel by Tigres against Guadalajara, in a demonstration of refined technique.
Fans of Zakho SC, of Iraque, beat Fan Award for a notable solidarity action, throwing stuffed animals on the lawn for donation. The Prêmio Fair Play was awarded to doctor Andreas Harlass-Neuking, from Jahn Regensburg, who saved a rival fan in a German second division match, exemplifying the sport’s noblest values.
These awards highlight not only the technical ability of the athletes, but also gestures of solidarity, fair play and the positive engagement of fans around the world. Fifa announced some of the winners in advance on their social networks to increase anticipation surrounding the main ceremony.
Balance of the 2024/25 season
The 2024/25 season saw Paris Saint-Germain end a long drought in Liga from Campeões under the command of Luis Enrique, marking a period of great success for the French club. Ousmane Dembélé emerged as an undisputed offensive leader, combining speed and precision to become the team’s protagonist.
Their double consecration, with the Bola of Ouro and the Fifa The Best, marks an era of transition in European football, with new talents and clubs rising to the top. Enquanto Aitana Bonmatí consolidates its dominance in women’s football, young people like Lamine Yamal and Pedri appear in the national teams, indicating the future of the sport.