The world of football has its new king and queen. On the evening of 16 December 2025, the prestigious FIFA Best awards were handed out, with Paris Saint-Germain's dazzling forward Ousmane Dembélé claiming the men's prize and Barcelona's midfield maestro Aitana Bonmatí securing the women's honour.
Dembélé's Dominant Year Rewarded
The French international enjoyed a phenomenal 2025, proving to be the catalyst for success at both club and international level. His electrifying pace, creative genius, and crucial goals were central to Paris Saint-Germain's challenges in domestic league action and on the grand stage of European competition.
Dembélé carried that scintillating form onto the international scene, where his performances were instrumental in driving the France national team to significant results throughout the year. Upon receiving the award, the humble star was quick to share the credit. "It is a great honour to receive this award," Dembélé stated. "I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable."
Bonmatí Continues Her Reign
In the women's game, Aitana Bonmatí further cemented her status as one of the sport's all-time greats. The Barcelona midfielder was the beating heart of her club's engine room, providing unmatched leadership, vision, and creativity throughout their domestic and European campaigns.
Her influence extended powerfully to the Spanish national team, where she played a pivotal role in their international successes during the award period. Reflecting on her achievement, Bonmatí highlighted the collective effort. "This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches," she said. "I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season."
A Celebration of Football Excellence
The dual announcements from FIFA serve as a powerful reminder of the organization's commitment to recognising individual excellence in football. More importantly, they underscore the immense contributions these elite athletes make to their clubs and their countries.
For fans in Nigeria and across Africa, the success of players like Dembélé, with his roots in the continent's footballing diaspora, continues to inspire a new generation. The awards night has set the stage for an exciting 2026, as the football world watches to see if these champions can maintain their spectacular form.
