The Best 2025 nominees unveiled, but fans question FIFA’s PSG-Barça favoritism

The final stretch of 2025 is here, and that means award season in world football. This time, it’s FIFA’s turn to take the spotlight with the announcement of its 11 finalists for The Best Men’s Player of the Year, the global governing body’s answer to the Ballon d’Or.

Who made FIFA’s 2025 The Best shortlist?

According to FIFA’s official announcement, the nominees are Ousmane Dembélé, Achraf Hakimi, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, Nuno Mendes, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, Vitinha, and Lamine Yamal.

The shortlist makes one thing clear: Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona rule the conversation. PSG leads with four players, while Barça follows with three. Curiously, Inter Milan, despite reaching the Champions League final, didn’t place a single player among the finalists.

When will voting close and who’s the favorite?

Fans and media can now cast their votes, but not for long. The polls will close on November 28, and the official ceremony is expected in early December, though FIFA has yet to confirm the exact date.

Based on performances and narrative momentum, Ousmane Dembélé stands as an early favorite. His Ballon d’Or win earlier this year puts him in pole position, though it’s far from a guarantee, last season, Rodri won the Ballon d’Or while Vinícius Jr. claimed The Best.

That split proves one thing: FIFA’s The Best doesn’t always follow the golden script.

What makes The Best different from the Ballon d’Or?

Since 2016, when FIFA ended its partnership with France Football, The Best has evolved into its own institution, rewarding not just statistics and silverware but impact. The voting combines fan input, national team coaches and captains, and a select panel of journalists, creating a global snapshot of football’s elite.

As 2025 winds down, one storyline stands out: the balance of power between PSG and Barcelona, and whether Dembélé, Mbappé, or Yamal can write their name into football’s next era.