Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player, beating off competition from Barcelona and Spain sensation Lamine Yamal and his France teammate Kylian Mbappé.
The 28-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season, playing a pivotal role as PSG finally claimed their first-ever UEFA Champions League title.
That historic triumph significantly boosted Dembélé’s credentials for football’s top individual honour.
Voting for FIFA’s flagship awards drew input from across the global football community.
Coaches and captains of men’s national teams from all 211 FIFA Member Associations cast ballots, alongside accredited media representatives and fans registered on FIFA.com.
Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, did not participate in the process. Instead, the country was represented by Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and respected football journalist Oluwashina Okeleji.
Troost-Ekong voted for Ousmane Dembélé as his top choice, followed by Achraf Hakimi and Lamine Yamal. Okeleji also placed Dembélé first, with Hakimi second and Egypt star Mohamed Salah third.
The final top ten ranking was completed by Achraf Hakimi, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, Vitinha, Harry Kane, Nuno Mendes and Pedri.
The Men’s Player of the Year award was based on performances recorded between August 2024 and August 2025, a period in which Dembélé’s influence at both club and international level proved decisive.
