Key Football Figures Receive Prestigious Awards
Ousmane Dembélé and Aitana Bonmatí, who were recently awarded the Ballon d’Or in September, have now been honored with the FIFA The Best awards for being the best footballers of the year. Dembélé, the 28-year-old French forward from Paris Saint-Germain, won after leading the team to their first UEFA Champions League title. Bonmatí, a crucial player for both the Spanish national team and FC Barcelona, secured her third consecutive The Best award despite losing the UEFA Champions League and Eurocopa finals.
Dembélé’s Achievements
Dembélé expressed gratitude to his teammates following the ceremony, acknowledging that hard work paid off in a fantastic year for him both individually and collectively. The award ceremony took place the day before the FIFA Club World Cup final between PSG and Flamengo, also held in Qatar.
Bonmatí’s Accomplishments
Aitana Bonmatí, a vital member of the Spanish national team and FC Barcelona, received her third consecutive The Best award months after adding the Ballon d’Or to her collection, despite losing both the UEFA Champions League and Eurocopa finals. She expressed her gratitude for being chosen by players, coaches, and fans alike.
Coach Awards
In the coaching category, Luis Enrique, the Spanish manager of PSG, was awarded The Best coach, outperforming other candidates like Germany’s Hansi Flick and the Netherlands’ Arne Slot from Liverpool.
Female Coach and Goalkeeper Awards
Sarina Wiegman, the Dutch coach of the English national team, was honored with The Best female coach award after winning her third consecutive Eurocopa (2017 with the Netherlands and 2022 & 2025 with England). The goalkeeper awards went to Italy’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, currently playing for Manchester City, and England’s Hannah Hampton, Chelsea’s goalkeeper and Eurocopa 2025 winner.
Latin American Success in Goal-Scoring Awards
The Puskás Award for best goal in male football went to Argentine Santiago Montiel, whose scorpion kick goal for Independiente against Independiente Rivadavia in May 2025 was recognized. The Marta Award for best goal in female football was awarded to Mexican Lizbeth Ovalle, also known as “La Maga,” for her spectacular scorpion kick goal for Tigres against Guadalajara in March 2025, assisted by Spanish player Jenni Hermoso.
Voting Process
The award recipients were determined through voting by fans, specialized journalists, and national team captains and coaches.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the male FIFA The Best award? Ousmane Dembélé
- What team does Aitana Bonmatí play for? FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team
- How many consecutive The Best awards has Aitana Bonmatí won? Three
- Who was awarded The Best female coach? Sarina Wiegman
- Who won the Puskás Award for best goal in male football? Santiago Montiel
- Which player received the Marta Award for best goal in female football? Lizbeth Ovalle
