The 2024–25 season turned out to be a memorable one for Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí. Dembélé was in brilliant form for Paris Saint-Germain, winning the UEFA Champions League along with three domestic trophies in French football. On the other hand, Spanish star Aitana Bonmatí also enjoyed a dream season. She won a treble with Barcelona and continued her stunning run of form.
Their performances earned them the Ballon d’Or, and now another feather has been added to their caps as both were named FIFA’s Best Footballers of the Year.
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Dembélé named FIFA Best Men’s Player
Beating stars like Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé, Dembélé claimed the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for the first time in his career. In the 2024–25 season, he impressed with both goals and assists, contributing to 51 goals in 53 matches for PSG. The 28-year-old footballer expressed his excitement after winning the award following his Ballon d’Or triumph.
PSG also dominated the FIFA Best Men’s XI, with six of their players included in the team. From Barcelona, Lamine Yamal and Pedri cut. However, the absence of players like Raphinha, Mbappé and Harry Kane has upset some fans. Questions have also been raised over Jude Bellingham’s inclusion.
FIFA Best Men’s XI
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Willian Pacho, Virgil van Dijk, Nuno Mendes, Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Vitinha, Pedri, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembélé
Bonmatí completes hat-trick as FIFA Best Women’s Player
Aitana Bonmatí also created history by winning the FIFA Best Women’s Player award for the third consecutive year, becoming the first woman footballer to achieve this feat. She scored 15 goals in 44 matches for Barcelona last season and played a key role in the club’s La Liga, Copa del Rey and Super Cup victories. Although she could not win the Euros with Spain, her outstanding form throughout the season earned her top recognition from FIFA.
