Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has been officially named among the nominees for the prestigious FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year Award for 2025, as announced by FIFA on Thursday. The nomination highlights Mbappé's exceptional performance over the period from August 2024 to July 2025, cementing his status as one of the world's top football talents.
The announcement, shared by Madrid Xtra on X, featured an image of the 11 nominees, including Mbappé alongside other global icons such as Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), and Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain). The list also showcases rising stars like Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Cole Palmer of the Premier League, reflecting a blend of experience and youthful exuberance in this year's shortlist.
Mbappé, who joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024, has continued to dazzle fans and critics alike with his pace, skill, and goal-scoring prowess. The 26-year-old French forward has been instrumental in Real Madrid's campaign, contributing to their strong showing in both La Liga and the Champions League. His nomination comes on the heels of a remarkable season, marked by breathtaking performances that have drawn comparisons to football legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The accompanying image from Madrid Xtra also featured Mbappé in his Real Madrid kit, underscoring his integration into the club and his growing influence on the pitch. Fans and analysts have praised his ability to break ankles and score "bangers," as noted in a playful comment on X by @leormacf.
The 2025 FIFA The Best shortlist is notably competitive, with Barcelona leading the nominations with multiple representatives, including Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Pedri. This has sparked discussions online, with some users questioning the inclusion of certain players, such as Raphinha, who appeared in a club kit, as pointed out by @Bhondu_Bandar. Others, like @chotichinta, expressed surprise at Cole Palmer's nomination, indicating the diverse talent pool vying for the coveted award.
The nomination process, which opened public voting alongside inputs from national team captains, coaches, journalists, and experts, has ignited a global fervor. The awards, set to culminate in a gala in early 2026, also include categories for coaches, goalkeepers, and a fan-voted Men's 11, further broadening the excitement.
Reactions on X have been mixed but predominantly supportive of Mbappé's nomination. @Mr_Vizsco hailed him as a top contender, citing his "incredible form," while @JaeyofRma expressed optimism about his chances of winning. However, not all sentiments were positive, with @shrashtiblooms voicing frustration over Mbappé's public relations efforts, calling him a "clown" at their club—a sentiment that reflects the polarized opinions often surrounding the star.
The absence of other high-profile players, such as Vinicius Jr., from the list has also stirred debate, with @Untd59 humorously noting the potential backlash from the Brazilian's fanbase. Meanwhile, @BabatundeBee suggested that a Real Madrid victory in the upcoming Super Cup could bolster Mbappé's case.
This nomination follows a contentious Ballon d'Or ceremony in September 2025, where Ousmane Dembélé edged out Lamine Yamal, prompting Yamal's father to label the decision as "the biggest moral damage done to a human being," according to ESPN. The FIFA The Best Awards, which consider a different eligibility period, offer another stage for these players to stake their claim, with Mbappé now firmly in the spotlight.
As voting continues, football enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome, with Mbappé's performance in the coming months likely to play a decisive role. Whether he can convert this nomination into a trophy remains to be seen, but his inclusion underscores his enduring impact on the beautiful game.
For more updates and to cast your vote, visit FIFA.com. The FIFA The Best Awards gala is scheduled for early 2026.
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