By Martin Graham
international of France Ousmane Dembele was named the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year at an awards night held in Qatar on Tuesday, celebrating a breakout year with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 28-year-old attacker had already won the Ballon d’Or earlier this autumn, after a campaign that delivered PSG’s first Champions League triumph alongside domestic success.
Speaking after receiving the trophy, Dembele paid tribute to those around him, saying that commitment and collective effort have shaped a remarkable season both personally and as a team.
Previously with Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, ​​Dembele contributed 35 goals in all competitions as the Paris outfit lifted both the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup, adding continental glory to complete the treble.
His international pedigree also includes a World Cup win with France in 2018, underlining a career that has now reached its most decorated phase.
Recognition of coaching and individual milestones
PSG manager Luis Enrique was honored as the best men’s team manager, finishing ahead of Barcelona’s Hansi Flick and Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who guided his club to the Premier League crown.
In the women’s field, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati collected the highest individual award for the third consecutive year, equaling her series of successes at the Ballon d’Or.
The 27-year-old thanked the recognition, highlighting the support of colleagues, technicians and supporters who participated in the voting process.
His award capped a demanding year that included success in the domestic league in Spain, but ended with defeat in both the Champions League and European Championship finals.
Despite these setbacks, Bonmati excelled at the Euros, earning player of the tournament honors after returning from viral meningitis that had ruled her out of Spain’s first two matches.
Goalkeepers, spectacular goals and voting process
England head coach Sarina Wiegman received the women’s manager’s award after guiding her side to a third consecutive European Championship title over the summer.
In the goalkeeper categories, the Italian Gianluigi Donnarumma claimed the men’s award after her Champions League-winning season with PSG before her move to Manchester City, while Chelsea and England stopper Hannah Hampton claimed the women’s award following her Euro 2025 success.
The ceremony also celebrated some amazing moments, with Santiago Montiel winning the Puskas Award for an acrobatic long-range finish for Independiente against Independiente Rivadavia in Argentina’s top division.
Lizbeth Ovalle won the Marta Award thanks to a scorpion kick scored by Tigres in a Mexican league game with Guadalajara.
All honors were decided by a combined vote involving fans, journalists, national team captains and coaches, assessing performances from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
