The Best 2025: Kane’s Vote Sparks Debate as Tuchel Bets on England

Winners and Voting Highlights

The FIFA The Best awards were distributed on Tuesday, crowning Ousmane Dembele World Player of the Year for 2025, following his earlier Ballon d’Or award. The Paris Saint-Germain forward enjoyed a standout season, helping his club lift the Champions League title.

FIFA revealed votes from national team captains and coaches, along with media members, with a strong tilt toward the French star, giving him a clear edge over the competition.

England’s Kane and Tuchel's Picks

According to voices from England, Harry Kane, the Three Lions captain and Bayern Munich striker, cast his ballots for Dembele first, then Vinícius Jr. and Mohamed Salah in that order.

German coach Thomas Tuchel, described as England’s coach in the report, placed Kane first, followed by his other player Col Palmer, with Dembele third.

British journalist Jon Cross did not vote for any England player, instead selecting Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vinícius in that order.

Punchline: If ballots could score goals, this vote might have been a hat-trick. Punchline 2: May your coffee be strong and your headlines lighter than this debate — because the trophy isn’t the only thing that’s pressing here.