The nominees for The FIFA Best women’s player of 2025 have been unveiled, with 17 outfield stars making the shortlist.
There are four WSL stars on the shortlist however they may once again be pipped to the award by Spain’s Aitana Bonmati.
How does FIFA Best player voting work?
Unlike other major awards such as the Ballon d’Or, there are a number of different voters for FIFA’s Best Player.
The voting system is split into four groups, with each voter carrying the same weight with their selection.
Who votes?
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National Team Captains – each FIFA-affiliated national team’s captain votes.
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National Team Coaches – each national team’s head coach votes.
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Journalists – one journalist from each FIFA member country.
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Fans – global fan voting through FIFA’s official website.
Each voter selects their top three players from the nominees for the award, with 1st place awarded five points, 2nd earning three points and 3rd place taking one point.
The total number of points for each player are tallied by FIFA with the winner crowned early in 2026.
Will Aitana Bonmati complete 2025 awards sweep?
The favourite to win FIFA’s Best women’s player of the year is without a doubt Aitana Bonmati.
Barcelona and Spain’s superstar midfielder has had a sensational career so far, but this year was arguably her best for both club and country.
With Barcelona, Bonmati completed the domestic treble once again. Despite missing a lot of the season through injury, the 27-year-old was hugely influential when she returned to action with Barca.
She scored 15 goals to help Barcelona win a domestic treble and reach the Champions League final.
Is Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati your choice for BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2025?
Vote and Ts&Cs: https://t.co/dcfpHSmSKJ
Voting closes at 0900 GMT on 31 October 2025 pic.twitter.com/gGC3mm9RgD
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) October 22, 2025
Although she started just seven games in the league last season, Bonmati picked up eight goal contributions during an important run for Barcelona.
It was with Spain that the superstar really excelled in 2025 however, as although she missed out on the Nations League, Bonmati returned to action with a near-perfect tournament at Euro 2025.
Following such a successful year, Bonmati pipped Arsenal and England stars to a record breaking third Ballon d’Or in 2025.
🏆 One month already — Aitana Bonmati, making history with her third Ballon d’Or. ✨
📸 Alexis Réau / L’Équipe#ballondor #aitanabonmati pic.twitter.com/A8mYT9e1Ic
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 22, 2025
The midfielder was also named in the FIFPRO World XI yet again, earning more votes than any other player.
Should she be named FIFA best women’s player of the year, Bonmati will have picked up almost every individual award that is available in 2025 to cap off an immense year.
