At the FIFA Football Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele, along with Barcelona’s young talent Lamine Yamal and England stars Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham, made the cut for FIFA’s Best Eleven Men’s Team.
This accolade celebrates players showcasing exceptional talent between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025.
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FIFA Men’s Best Eleven
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Willian Pacho (PSG), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool), Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Midfielders: Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Vicinha (PSG), Pedri (Barcelona), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Forwards: Ousmane Dembele (PSG), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
Dembele played a crucial role in helping Paris Saint-Germain clinch the Coupe de France, Ligue 1, and Champions League last season and was recognized as FIFA’s best male player, surpassing Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. His coach, Luis Enrique, earned the title of FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year.
The women’s best eleven featured a strong representation from both the Spanish and English national teams, with Sarina Wiegman, who guided England to victory in Euro 2025 in July, being honored as FIFA Women’s Coach of the Year.
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FIFA Women’s Best Eleven
Goalkeeper: Hannah Hampton (Chelsea)
Defenders: Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Leah Williamson (Arsenal), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Ona Batlle (Barcelona)
Midfielders: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona), Patricia Guijarro (Barcelona), Claudia Pina (Barcelona)
Forwards: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona), Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal)
Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona, the Women’s Ballon d’Or winner, was named FIFA Women’s Player of the Year for the third straight season after leading her team to a La Liga title and the Supercopa de España Femenina.
Santiago Montiel, a winger for Independiente, claimed the Puskas Trophy for his spectacular overhead kick against Independiente Rivadavia in the Argentine Liga Professional de Fútbol last November.
“I didn’t think about it, I just hit it,” Montiel remarked after his goal.
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Lisbeth Aubale was honored with the Maltese Award for the best goal in women’s football for her stunning volley in the Liga MX Femenil match between Tigres and Guadalajara back in March.
This August, Aubale made headlines by transferring to the NWSL’s Orlando Pride for a record fee of $1.5 million.
### Fan Take
This news is significant for soccer fans as it highlights the rise of emerging talents in the sport, ensuring the game’s future looks bright. The recognition of both men’s and women’s athletics underscores the growing appreciation for female players, promising a more competitive and inclusive football landscape.
