The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced on Thursday the final shortlists for the 'The Best 2025' awards. The nominations featured prominent Arab football stars, led by Egypt's Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Saudi Arabia's Salem Al-Dawsari (Al-Hilal), along with Morocco's Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain) and Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal). Spanish internationals Lamine Yamal and Pedri of Barcelona, and French Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé, were also among the eleven nominees for 'The Best' player award, which is given by FIFA to the best player. FIFA stated in a press release that the three will not be the only representatives of the Spanish league, as Barcelona's Brazilian forward Raphinha is also vying for the award. Other notable nominees include Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Ousmane Dembélé, who won the Ballon d'Or in September, ahead of Spanish nominee Lamine Yamal and his Portuguese teammate Vitinha, who is also nominated for 'The Best'. The list of nominees is completed by Portuguese Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain), Englishman Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), and Englishman Cole Palmer (Chelsea). Best FIFA Goalkeeper Award Spanish international David Raya of Arsenal competes for the Best FIFA Goalkeeper award with Belgian Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid) and Polish Wojciech Szczęsny (Barcelona). Also competing for the award are Brazilian Allison Becker (Liverpool), Argentine Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez (Aston Villa), Italian Gianluigi Donnaruma (Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City), German Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), and Swiss Yann Sommer (Inter Milan). Best FIFA Coach Award In the Best Coach category, Spanish Luis Enrique Martínez, who won the UEFA Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain, competes with German Hansi Flick, coach of Barcelona, and Spanish Mikel Arteta, coach of Arsenal. Also in contention are Spanish Roberto Martínez, coach of the Portugal national team; Dutchman Arne Slott, coach of Liverpool; Italian Enzo Maresca (Chelsea); and coach of the Mexico national team Javier Aguirre, who led 'El Tri' to victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Best FIFA Fan Award Finally, the legendary late fan Manolo el Bombo, who traveled the world for decades to support the Spanish national team, was nominated for the Best FIFA Fan award, alongside the fans of the Iraqi club Zakho. Completing the list is Argentine Alejandro Sagnauto, a fan of Racing Club de Avellaneda, who walked from Argentina to Rio de Janeiro to attend the Copa Libertadores semi-final between his team and Brazilian Flamengo.
