Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been named the Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2025, completing a remarkable double after winning the Ballon d’Or in September.
The 28-year-old Frenchman played a pivotal role in PSG’s historic first Champions League triumph last season, adapting impressively to a central striking role where his clinical finishing shone through. He saw off competition from Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé in a vote involving national team captains, coaches, journalists and fans.
Unlike the journalist-led Ballon d’Or, FIFA’s award incorporates broader input, yet the outcome aligned perfectly, underscoring Dembélé’s standout 2024-25 campaign.
The ceremony took place on Tuesday evening in Doha, Qatar, where Gianluigi Donnarumma was also honoured as the Best Men’s Goalkeeper.
Dembélé and Yamal were both included in the Best FIFA Men’s XI, a fan-voted team featuring Donnarumma in goal; a backline of Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk and Nuno Mendes; midfielders Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Vitinha and Pedri; with the French star partnered up front by the young Spanish sensation.
Notably absent from the XI was Mbappé, despite his strong individual performances.
The awards capped a dominant year for PSG players, reflecting their treble success and European breakthrough under Luis Enrique, who was named Best Men’s Coach.
Dembélé’s transformation from wide attacker to prolific centre-forward has been hailed as key to his success, helping end years of near-misses for both club and personal accolades.
