How Messi, Modric, Salah Voted For 2025 FIFA Best Player Nominees Revealed

The results of the 2025 FIFA Best Men’s Player voting have shed light on the preferences of some of the world’s most iconic footballers.

Naija News reports that Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele claimed the coveted award on Tuesday, December 16, edging out Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi, one of the most anticipated voters, placed Dembele at the top of his ballot, followed by Mbappe in second and Yamal in third.

Other football captains also revealed their selections. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah chose Achraf Hakimi as his first choice, Dembele second, and Mbappe third.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane mirrored Messi’s top choice, ranking Dembele first, Vitinha second, and Salah third.

Croatia’s veteran midfielder Luka Modric opted for Vitinha at the top, followed by Dembele and Yamal.

As for Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva, the Portuguese star placed Vitinha first, Nuno Mendes second, and Dembele third, instead of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Below is the full list of winners at the 2025 FIFA Best Awards:

The Best FIFA Women’s Player – Aitana Bonmatí

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach – Luis Enrique

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach – Sarina Wiegman

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper – Gianluigi Donnarumma

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper – Hannah Hampton

Puskás Award (best men’s goal) – Santiago Montiel for his strike against Independiente Rivadavia

FIFA Marta Award (best women’s goal) – Lizbeth Ovalle for her goal against Guadalajara