The nominees for the 2025 ‘The Best’ award have on Thursday been unveiled online.
And players from La Liga’s two leading clubs make up four of the 11-man shortlist of candidates for the prize.
From table-topping Real Madrid, Kylian Mbappé is put forward following an outstanding debut campaign in Spanish football.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad, meanwhile, is rewarded for their domestic treble courtesy of a trio of nominations.
All of Lamine Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha are in the running to be named FIFA’s ‘The Best’.
Making up the rest of the shortlist are Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, Cole Palmer, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane and Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé.
The Best award is handed out on an annual basis by world football’s governing body, FIFA.
The accolade, considered 2nd in terms of prestige only to the Ballon d’Or, is given to the player viewed as having been the very best in the game across the prior 12 months.
Conor Laird – GSFN
