FIFA has revealed the detailed votes for The Best 2025, and behind the crowning of Ousmane Dembélé, already a Ballon d’Or winner, some choices tell a different story. That of a trophy won without unanimity—and sometimes without the support of those closest to him. The first surprise came from Achraf Hakimi’s vote.
The PSG full-back did not place Dembélé first, instead naming Kylian Mbappé as his number one, ahead of his Parisian teammate, followed by Raphinha. A bold and deliberate choice that goes against the general trend and reflects a more personal than collective loyalty.
Mbappé Absent from the Voting Process
Hakimi was not an isolated case. Several major figures such as Joshua Kimmich and Carlo Ancelotti also set aside club affiliations in their votes. By contrast, Dembélé received strong backing from Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Riyad Mahrez, and his captain Marquinhos. Didier Deschamps also placed Dembélé first, with Mbappé in second position.
Yet the most striking fact remains Mbappé’s complete absence among the voters. Captain of the French national team, the forward did not take part in the ballot, as in 2024. A silence that raises questions, while his name appears frequently on other ballots.
Whether it was a desire to keep his distance or a refusal to choose between close allies like Hakimi and Dembélé remains a mystery. Ironically, Mbappé is everywhere in the votes—except his own.
And if Dembélé lifted the trophy, it was largely thanks to rivals and external voters rather than automatic support from his inner circle, a clear victory that nonetheless reveals the subtle balances at the top of world football.
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