The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 were held on 16 December 2025. The nominees for all categories were announced on 6 November 2025.
The most substantial change was the restructuring of the FIFA Best 11 squads. After FIFA and FIFPRO ended their joint operation of the "World 11" (which had been in place since 2009), FIFA introduced a new voting pattern. The process moved to a longlist format for each area of the pitch (goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards), featuring a total of 68 nominees for 2025. Fan votes were officially integrated into the selection of the Best 11, weighted equally with the expert panel. The 11th spot is no longer simply the next highest-voted player. The new rules require three defenders, three midfielders, and two forwards to be selected first. The final two wildcard spots are given to the next most-voted outfield players, provided they represent different positions ensuring a maximum of four in one area and three in another.
Eleven players were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025. The three finalists were revealed on 16 December 2025.
For the 2025 edition, the selection criteria for the men's players and coaches shifted to cover achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025. This adjusted window was designed to specifically capture the full 2024âÂÂ25 European season, the UEFA Women's Euro 2025, and the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.
Seven players were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025.
The selection criteria for the men's players and coaches was: respective achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
Five coaches were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025.
The selection criteria for the men's players and coaches was: respective achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
The eleven players initially shortlisted for the award were announced on 6 November 2025. All goals up for consideration were scored from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
Sixteen players were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025.
The selection criteria for the women's players and coaches was: respective achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
Five players were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025.
The selection criteria for the women's players and coaches was: respective achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
Eight coaches were initially shortlisted on 6 November 2025.
The selection criteria for the women's players and coaches was: respective achievements during the period from 11 August 2024 to 2 August 2025.
FIFA announced the list of 11 nominees on 13 November 2025.
The award celebrates the best fan moments or gestures of August 2024 to August 2025, regardless of championship, gender or nationality. The shortlist was compiled by a panel of FIFA experts. The award was chosen by a public vote on FIFA's website.
The Fair Play Award was decided by an expert panel.