Overview
- FIFA announced the men’s and women’s nominees on November 6 and invited fans to vote via its World Cup account.
- The men’s 11-player field features Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Raphinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha.
- Paris Saint‑Germain have three nominees — Hakimi, Nuno Mendes and Vitinha — while Barcelona are represented by Yamal, Pedri and Raphinha.
- Coverage frames Dembélé versus Yamal as the leading contest after their first‑ and second‑place finish at the recent Ballon d’Or.
- The women’s shortlist is led by Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí and is heavily stocked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona players, with The Best decided by coaches, captains, journalists and the public.