Ousmane Dembélé: The Unlikely Hero of FIFA-The Best 2025
Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the winner of the FIFA-The Best 2025 trophy, making headlines as the first Frenchman to clinch this prestigious award. Surpassing renowned talents such as Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal, Dembélé’s achievement comes on the heels of his recent Ballon d’Or win in September. This recognition serves as a testament to his outstanding individual and collective performance throughout the season with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
A Fair and Inclusive Voting System
One of the most distinctive features of this year’s FIFA-The Best voting process is its emphasis on inclusivity. Unlike the traditional Ballon d’Or organized by France Football, FIFA allowed fans worldwide to participate alongside coaches, team captains, and specialized journalists. This diverse voting mechanism ensures a fair representation of opinions across the global football community.
The voting system is structured such that each of the four categories—coaches, captains, fans, and media—contributes 25% to the overall score. The points allocation was straightforward: 5 points for a first-place vote, 3 for second, and 1 for third. FIFA has disclosed the voting details for each of the 11 finalists, adding a layer of transparency to the results.
Key Votes and Insights
Notably, Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, chose Dembélé as his number one pick, followed by Kylian Mbappé, and Hakimi in third place. This endorsement highlights the faith in Dembélé’s ability to perform under pressure and his growing influence in French football.
Hakimi’s Preference for Mbappé
Interestingly, Hakimi, the Moroccan captain and Dembélé’s club teammate, cast his vote differently. He placed Kylian Mbappé in the top spot, followed by Dembélé, illustrating the camaraderie and competition among top players. Marquinhos, Brazil’s captain, aligned with this trend by voting Dembélé first, Raphinha second, and Hakimi in third, showcasing mixed national loyalties within the votes.
Controversies and Divergences
Spain’s voting pattern revealed a divide, particularly regarding Lamine Yamal. While goalkeeper Unai Simon voted for Yamal first, coach Luis De La Fuente preferred Pedri in the top position. This divergence indicates the complexity of team dynamics and the factors influencing individual votes.
Portugal, on the other hand, remained steadfast with its representatives. Bernardo Silva selected Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Dembélé, reflecting a strategic approach to support national players. Lionel Messi also voted for Dembélé, further validating the Frenchman’s phenomenal season.
Final Thoughts
The curious votes for the FIFA-The Best 2025 trophy reveal a multifaceted landscape of player respect, national pride, and individual brilliance. As Ousmane Dembélé basks in the glory of his achievements, the voting patterns offer a glimpse into the intricate relationships and politics that define modern football. With this fresh voting approach, FIFA has not only recognized the best talent on the field but has also included fans in the conversation, redefining how such accolades are awarded.
For more detailed information on the voting results and analyses, visit FIFA’s official website.