Dembele crowned by FIFA as fans erupt over Raphinha snub
FIFA confirmation sets the stage
According to Italian transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ousmane Dembele has won the FIFA The Best Award for 2025, completing an individual double after also securing the Ballon d’Or. Romano shared the confirmation via social media shortly after the ceremony.
He wrote, “OFFICIAL: Ousmane Dembele wins FIFA The Best Award for 2025. Double completed after Ballon d’Or.”
The recognition places the French forward at the top of world football for the year, following a season that voters deemed decisive across domestic and international competitions. FIFA has not yet released the full voting breakdown, but the result cements Dembele’s standing among the elite.
Online reaction shifts focus to Raphinha
While Dembele’s camp celebrated, the conversation online quickly shifted. According to football media account The Touchline, many supporters were left stunned by the absence of Raphinha from the major individual honours.
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The account wrote, “No Ballon d'Or for Raphinha, no FIFA The Best for Raphinha, not even a spot in the best 11 for Raphinha after THIS SEASON.”
The post went on to outline his campaign in numbers, highlighting 64 appearances, 61 goal contributions, 38 goals and 23 assists, alongside major domestic trophies in Spain.
Numbers, trophies and standout moments
According to The Touchline, Raphinha’s case was strengthened by a series of headline performances, including five goals against Real Madrid and a hat trick against Bayern Munich. The account argued that such moments, combined with team success and individual accolades like La Liga Player of the Season, made his omission difficult to justify.
Award criteria often balance team achievements, consistency, reputation and influence on the biggest stages. The contrast between Dembele’s sweep of the top prizes and Raphinha’s absence from the final honours list has reopened long standing questions about how excellence is ultimately measured.
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A familiar football argument returns
As reactions continue to pour in, the debate highlights a recurring reality in the sport. According to long running patterns around major awards, recognition rarely ends discussion, it tends to amplify it.
Dembele’s triumph is now part of the record books, but the response surrounding Raphinha suggests that for many fans, the conversation around football’s biggest individual prizes is far from settled.
Sources: Fabrizio Romano, The Touchline
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