Since its inception, The Best Awards have stood out for their transparency and inclusivity, with voting equally split among national team captains, coaches, journalists, and supporters.

This year’s ceremony carries extra weight, serving as the curtain raiser for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The awards will celebrate excellence across multiple categories, including The Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Player, The Best Coach, The Best Goalkeeper, and the FIFA Puskás Award for the most outstanding goal of the year.

Beyond accolades, the event represents FIFA’s core values of fairness, transparency, and global unity through football.

The Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees

• Ousmane Dembélé (France / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Harry Kane (England / FC Bayern München)
• Kylian Mbappé (France / Real Madrid)
• Nuno Mendes (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Cole Palmer (England / Chelsea)
• Pedri (Spain / Barcelona)
• Raphinha (Brazil / Barcelona)
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
• Vitinha (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lamine Yamal (Spain / Barcelona)

The Best FIFA Women’s Player Nominees

• Sandy Baltimore (France / Chelsea)
• Nathalie Björn (Sweden / Chelsea)
• Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / Barcelona)
• Lucy Bronze (England / Chelsea)
• Mariona Caldentey (Spain / Arsenal)
• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City Current)
• Kadidiatou Diani (France / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Patri Guijarro (Spain / Barcelona)
• Lindsey Heaps (USA / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Lauren James (England / Chelsea)
• Chloe Kelly (England / Manchester City / Arsenal)
• Ewa Pajor (Poland / Barcelona)
• Claudia Pina (Spain / Barcelona)
• Alexia Putellas (Spain / Barcelona)
• Alessia Russo (England / Arsenal)
• Leah Williamson (England / Arsenal)

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Nominees

• Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
• Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
• Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
• Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
• Roberto Martínez (Portugal)
• Arne Slot (Liverpool)

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Nominees

• Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea)
• Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Seb Hines (Orlando Pride)
• Renée Slegers (Arsenal)
• Sarina Wiegman (England)

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Nominees

• Alisson Becker (Brazil / Liverpool)
• Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid)
• Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy / Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City)
• Emiliano Martínez (Argentina / Aston Villa)
• Manuel Neuer (Germany / Bayern München)
• David Raya (Spain / Arsenal)
• Yann Sommer (Switzerland / Inter Milan)
• Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland / Barcelona)

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Nominees

• Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Gotham FC)
• Cata Coll (Spain / Barcelona)
• Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Hannah Hampton (England / Chelsea)
• Anna Moorhouse (England / Orlando Pride)
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC / Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA / Manchester United)

FIFA Fan Award Nominees

• Alejandro Ciganotto (Argentina)
• Manolo el del Bombo (Spain, posthumous)
• Zakho Fans (Iraq)

As excitement builds ahead of the ceremony, fans and analysts alike are already debating potential winners, with Kylian Mbappé, Aitana Bonmatí, and Chiamaka Nnadozie among early favourites to take home top honours.

 

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The 2025 FIFPRO World XI has finally been unveiled — and as expected, it’s packed with football’s biggest names who lit up the pitch over the past year.

Voted for by more than 26,000 professional players worldwide, the prestigious lineup honours the standout performers between July 15, 2024, and August 3, 2025.

To qualify, each player had to feature in at least 30 official matches during that period.

Leading the charge for the men’s team is Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), whose dominance this season is reflected in multiple inclusions.

At the back, Gianluigi Donnarumma earns the goalkeeper slot after a remarkable campaign, while defensive stalwarts Virgil van Dijk, Achraf Hakimi, and Nuno Mendes make up a rock-solid backline.

The midfield is a blend of youthful energy and tactical intelligence, featuring Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Pedri, and Vitinha — a quartet that perfectly balances flair, creativity, and control.

Up front, it’s all fireworks. Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Ousmane Dembélé form a deadly trio, promising pace, precision, and pure football artistry the kind of frontline that leaves defenders second-guessing every move.

Men’s FIFPRO World XI 2025

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma

Defenders: Virgil van Dijk, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Pedri, Vitinha

Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé

With such a lineup, the 2025 edition of the FIFPRO World XI once again reinforces why football remains the world’s most watched and passionately debated sport, a game where talent, teamwork, and magic meet under one global spotlight.

 

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The announcement was made through multiple media outlets and has since drawn widespread attention from football fans worldwide.

This year’s Ballon d’Or features a highly competitive line-up with top performances from PSG, Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Premier League players.

Kopa Trophy 2025 nominees

1. 1. Myles Lewis-Skelly
   2. Rodrigo Mora
   3. Joao Neves
   4. Lamine Yamal
   5. Kenan Yildiz
   6. Ayyoub Bouaddi
   7. Pau Cubarsi
   8. Désiré Doué
   9. Estevao
   10. Dean Huijsen

 

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Women’s 2025 Yachine Trophy nominees

1. 1. 1. Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC & Germany)
      2. Cata Coll (Barcelona & Spain)
      3. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea & England)
      4. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Nigeria)
      5. Daphne van Domselaar (Arsenal & Netherlands)

 

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2025 Yachine Trophy nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. Alisson Becker (Liverpool & Brazil)
         2. Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal & Morocco)
         3. Lucas Chevalier (Lille & France)
         4. Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid & Belgium)
         5. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG & Italy)
         6. Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa & Argentina)
         7. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid & Slovenia)
         8. David Raya (Arsenal & Spain)
         9. Matz Sels (Nottingham Forest & Belgium)
         10. Yann Sommer (Inter Milan)

 

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2025 Women’s Kopa Trophy nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Michelle Agyemang
            2. Linda Caicedo
            3. Wieke Kaptein
            4. Vicky Lopez
            5. Claudia Martinez Ovando

 

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2025 Women’s Team Coach of the Year nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Sonia Bompastor
               2. Arthur Elias
               3. Justine Madugu
               4. Renée Slegers
               5. Sarina Wiegman

 

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2025 Men’s Team Coach of the Year nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Antonio Conte
                  2. Luis Enrique
                  3. Hansi Flick
                  4. Enzo Maresca
                  5. Arne Slot

 

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2025 Women’s Club of the Year

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Arsenal FC
                     2. Barcelona
                     3. Chelsea
                     4. OL Lyonnes
                     5. Orlando Pride

 

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2025 Men’s Club of the Year

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • Barcelona
                        • Botafogo
                        • Chelsea
                        • Liverpool
                        • Paris Saint-Germain

 

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Women’s Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • 1. Lucy Bronze (Chelsea & England)
                          2. Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride & Zambia)
                          3. Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona & Spain)
                          4. Sandy Baltimore (Chelsea & France)
                          5. Mariona Caldentey (Arsenal & Spain)
                          6. Klara Buhl (Bayern Munich & Germany)
                          7. Sofia Cantore (Washington Spirit & Italy)
                          8. Steph Catley (Arsenal & Australia)
                          9. Melchie Dumornay (Lyon & Haiti)
                          10. Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current & Malawi)
                          11. Emily Fox (Arsenal & USA)
                          12. Cristiana Girelli (Juventus & Italy)
                          13. Esther Gonzalez (Gotham & Spain)
                          14. Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona & Norway)
                          15. Patri Guijarro (Barcelona & Spain)
                          16. Amanda Gutierres (Palmeiras & Brazil)
                          17. Hannah Hampton (Chelsea & England)
                          18. Pernille Harder (Bayern Munich & Denmark)
                          19. Lindsey Heaps (Lyon & USA)
                          20. Chloe Kelly (Arsenal & England)
                          21. Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
                          22. Frida Leonhardsen Maanum (Arsenal & Norway)
                          23. Ewa Pajor (Barcelona & Poland)
                          24. Clara Mateo (Paris FC & France)
                          25. Alessia Russo (Arsenal & England)
                          26. Claudia Pina (Barcelona & Spain)
                          27. Alexia Putellas (Barcelona & Spain)
                          28. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea & Sweden)
                          29. Caroline Weir (Real Madrid & Scotland)
                          30. Leah Williamson (Arsenal & England)

 

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Men’s Ballon d’Or 2025 nominees

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. 1. • 1. 1. Ousmane Dembele (PSG & France)
                             2. Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG & Italy)
                             3. Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
                             4. Desire Doue (PSG & France)
                             5. Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan & Netherlands)
                             6. Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund & Guinea)
                             7. Erling Haaland (Man City & Norway)
                             8. Viktor Gyokeres (Arsenal & Sweden)
                             9. Achraf Hakimi (PSG & Morocco)
                             10. Harry Kane (Bayern Munich & England)
                             11. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG & Georgia)
                             12. Robert Lewandowski (Barcelona & Poland)
                             13. Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool & Argentina)
                             14. Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan & Argentina)
                             15. Scott McTominay (Napoli & Scotland)
                             16. Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid & France)
                             17. Nuno Mendes (PSG & Portugal)
                             18. Joao Neves (PSG & Portugal)Pedri (Barcelona & Spain)
                             19. Cole Palmer (Chelsea & England)
                             20. Michael Olise (Bayern Munich & France)
                             21. Raphinha (Barcelona & Brazil)
                             22. Declan Rice (Arsenal & England)
                             23. Fabian Ruiz (PSG & Spain)
                             24. Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool & Netherlands)
                             25. Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid & Brazil)
                             26. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool & Egypt)
                             27. Florian Wirtz (Liverpool & Germany)
                             28. Vitinha (PSG & Portugal)
                             29. Lamine Yamal (Barcelona & Spain)

 

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The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final took on a festival-like atmosphere as global music heavyweights lit up the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey with electrifying halftime performances on Sunday, July 13.

As Chelsea stormed to a dominant 3-0 lead against Paris Saint-Germain by halftime, thanks to a brace from Cole Palmer and a strike from Joao Pedro, the break brought more than just tactical team talks.

Fans across the globe were treated to FIFA’s first-ever official halftime show at the Club World Cup final, featuring a star-studded lineup that included Doja Cat, Coldplay, J Balvin, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly.

American music sensation Doja Cat kicked off the show with a high-energy performance of her hit song “Woman”, setting the tone for the musical spectacle. British rock band Coldplay followed with their fan-favourite anthem “A Sky Full of Stars,” adding a euphoric touch to the already electric stadium atmosphere.

COLDPLAY AT FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP HALFTIME SHOW🏆🌍#Coldplay
📸 @dazngroup pic.twitter.com/jGlmSwQHUX

— Coldplay Tour🌙 (@coldplaytour_) July 13, 2025

Doja Cat performando o smash hit “Woman” na final da FIFA Club World Cup. Artista COMPLETA! ⚽️🔥
pic.twitter.com/t9kIfAVVfX

— Info Doja Cat (@infodoja) July 13, 2025

Colombian superstar J Balvin, widely known as the “Prince of Reggaeton,” brought Latin flair to the show with a vibrant set that reminded fans of his global hits like “Mi Gente” and “I Like It.” With multiple Latin Grammy wins and Grammy nominations, his presence underscored the event’s international appeal.

Nigeria’s own Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, delivered a soulful performance that stood out for its raw emotion and elegance. Dressed in a sleek black outfit, the Grammy-winning artist performed “Love Me Jeje,” captivating audiences with her signature vocals and magnetic stage presence. Her inclusion in the lineup further spotlighted Africa’s growing influence in global music culture.

Tems performing at the #FIFACWC Final ⚽️

She makes history as one of the first artists to headline the halftime show 👑 pic.twitter.com/qrT1D3ucIa

— tems 𝖘z𝖓 (@temsszn) July 13, 2025

Adding an inspirational moment to the evening was Emmanuel Kelly, an Australian singer who is celebrated as the world’s first differently-abled pop artist. His performance infused the show with emotional depth, reminding viewers of the unifying power of music.

The groundbreaking halftime show marked a cultural milestone for FIFA, blending elite football with global music in a way never seen before in the Club World Cup. With Chelsea in control on the pitch and international stars commanding the stage, the event was a fusion of sporting excellence and world-class entertainment.

Watch the FIFA’s FIRST EVER halftime show at the Club World Cup:

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Since arriving from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, Palmer has emerged as Chelsea’s creative heartbeat. The 22-year-old England international made an instant impact, picking up the PFA Young Player of the Year award and racking up a combined 37 goals and 22 assists across two electric seasons in blue.

Palmer has worn the No.20 shirt since his arrival but will now step into one of football’s most symbolic squad numbers — previously worn by club legends like Joe Cole, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, and Christian Pulisic. His new number was confirmed ahead of Chelsea’s participation in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, reinforcing his role as the face of the Blues’ attacking future.

 

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However, the shift also casts a shadow over the status of Mykhailo Mudryk, who wore the No.10 shirt before his suspension. The Ukrainian winger, signed for a massive £89 million in January 2023, is currently serving a ban after testing positive for the prohibited substance Meldonium. He hasn’t featured in a competitive match since November 2024.

While Mudryk continues to assert his innocence, his case remains unresolved, and he now finds himself without a squad number — a clear indication that he may no longer be part of Chelsea’s immediate or long-term plans. If his suspension mirrors the length of Paul Pogba’s recent ban for a similar offense, the 24-year-old could be sidelined for an extended period.

With Palmer now donning the No.10 and Mudryk’s fate hanging in the balance, Chelsea’s direction under new leadership is becoming increasingly clear — backing players who are not only performing, but fully available.

 

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To qualify for the award, which debuted in the 2019/20 season with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold as its first recipient, players must have started the season aged 23 or younger.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, who scooped the prize last year, returns to the shortlist and could become only the second footballer to defend the title after Phil Foden’s consecutive wins in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.

The full nominee list includes

• Liam Delap (Ipswich Town)
• Anthony Elanga (Nottingham Forest)
• Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool)
• Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
• Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
• Joao Pedro (Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
• William Saliba (Arsenal)

Despite Ipswich Town’s relegation, young striker Liam Delap has made history by becoming the first player from a relegated team to be nominated. Delap impressed with 12 goals and proved his mettle even as his side struggled. His individual brilliance hasn’t gone unnoticed, with top-flight clubs monitoring him closely.

From Nottingham Forest, winger Anthony Elanga earns his place thanks to a productive campaign that saw him deliver 10 assists and score six goals. His contributions were vital for Forest’s survival push, and he continues to cement his status as a consistent creator.

Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch, also nominated for the senior Player of the Season accolade, finds himself in contention here as well. The Dutchman has been instrumental in midfield, adapting seamlessly to a deeper role under new manager Arne Slot. His defensive prowess and tactical discipline played a key role in Liverpool’s title push.

Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is another standout. The Spanish centre-back, who is reportedly set for a big-money move to Real Madrid, capped off an excellent debut season in England by earning a deserved nomination. His commanding presence at the back has been a highlight for the Cherries.

 

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Chelsea’s Cole Palmer continues to shine after last season’s breakout. While his numbers may not have matched last year’s heights, 15 goals and eight assists remain an impressive return. Only Bruno Fernandes has created more chances than Palmer this season.

Joao Pedro of Brighton has built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s brightest young forwards. The Brazilian, known for both his finishing and creativity, has also emerged as a reliable penalty taker. His performances have significantly increased his market value.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has blossomed under manager Unai Emery. Now a full England international, the 21-year-old midfielder has racked up eight goals and nine assists in what has been a standout campaign. With double digits in sight, Rogers is pushing for elite company.

Arsenal’s William Saliba rounds out the list. Widely praised as one of the league’s most dependable centre-backs, the French international helped marshal the Gunners’ formidable defence. He boasts a league-leading 79.5% success rate in one-on-one duels and was key to the side keeping 12 clean sheets.

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• Enzo Maresca gives an update on Chelsea’s injured players Ahead of Tottenham Hotspur Clash

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has provided an update on the club’s injury situation ahead of their highly anticipated London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Maresca confirmed that key attacking players Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke are all fit and available for selection.

“Cole Palmer is back, he is okay. Noni Madueke is better. Nico Jackson is better. They are all good.”

However, the Italian manager expressed concerns over Romeo Lavia, who has faced ongoing injury struggles since his arrival at Chelsea.

“He was doing better in terms of progress, but unfortunately, one or two days ago, he had a small problem, so we will see in the next hours.”

Chelsea have endured a difficult run of form since the start of 2024, raising concerns among the club’s supporters. Despite their struggles, Maresca insists that everyone at the club is giving their best this season.

With key players returning, Chelsea fans will hope for a strong performance and maximum points against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.

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The shortlist highlights moments of individual brilliance and decisive goals from high-stakes matches throughout the month.

AFC Bournemouth leads the nominations with three entries, including two goals from Justin Kluivert. Meanwhile, the thrilling 3-2 clash between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur provides three nominees, showcasing the game’s dramatic attacking moments. Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and other clubs also make the list, emphasizing the attacking quality on display in England’s top flight.

Fans can vote for their favorite goal via the Premier League’s official platforms, with the winner set to be announced in early February.

Premier League Goal of the Month Nominees – January 2025

– Cole Palmer (Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea)
– David Brooks (AFC Bournemouth 1-0 Everton)
– Justin Kluivert (third goal) (Newcastle 1-4 AFC Bournemouth)
– Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton 3-2 Spurs)
– Callum Hudson-Odoi (Nottingham Forest 3-2 Southampton)
– Iliman Ndiaye (Everton 3-2 Spurs)
– Dejan Kulusevski (Everton 3-2 Spurs)
– Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth 5-0 Nottingham Forest)

Time to reveal January’s Guinness Goal of the Month nominees 🔥

Watch all eight strikes below and then vote for the best! #PLAwards

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 30, 2025

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Amidst the festive football frenzy, the Premier League unveiled eight nominees for Player of the Month and four candidates for Manager of the Month. Liverpool duo Mohamed Salah and Arne Slot, who were awarded in November, are once again in contention, but other standout performances have earned additional recognition.

Premier League Player of the Month nominees: December 2024

– Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
– Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest)
– Dean Huijsen (Bournemouth)
– Alexander Isak (Newcastle)
– Jacob Murphy (Newcastle)
– Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
– Antonee Robinson (Fulham)
– Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

No player matched Alexander Isak’s remarkable achievement of eight Premier League goals in December. The Swedish striker scored in all six of Newcastle United’s matches and netted his first career hat-trick against Ipswich Town.

His dynamic attacking partnership with Jacob Murphy, who provided three assists and scored three goals, was key to their success. Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool also made the list, with Salah contributing seven assists and seven goals despite ongoing contract speculation.

Cole Palmer of Chelsea has been another standout performer, despite his team’s struggles, and Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest has earned recognition for his creative contributions.

The list also includes Dean Huijsen, a standout centre-back for Bournemouth, and Antonee Robinson, a key player for Fulham.

We witnessed some superb individual performance throughout December ✨

Who gets your vote for @easportsfc Player of the Month?#PLAwards

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 2, 2025

Premier League Manager of the Month nominees: December 2024

– Nuno Espirito Santo (Nottingham Forest)
– Eddie Howe (Newcastle)
– Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth)
– Arne Slot (Liverpool)

Arne Slot remains a top contender, with Liverpool maintaining a healthy six-point lead at the Premier League summit. However, Nuno Espirito Santo guided Nottingham Forest to an impressive 15 points from six games, finishing the festive period atop the table.

Their remarkable five-match winning streak propelled them to second place, their best position this late in the season since 1994. Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth, unbeaten in December and known for their high-octane football, earned recognition after a notable win against Manchester United.

Finally, Eddie Howe of Newcastle led his team to four straight league wins, securing a Carabao Cup semi-final spot and maintaining an impressive defensive record.

These nominees reflect a highly competitive December, with standout individual and managerial performances setting the stage for an exciting second half of the season.

Bossed it in December 👊

Introducing your nominees for @BarclaysFooty Manager of the Month!#PLAwards

— Premier League (@premierleague) January 2, 2025

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• FIFPRO announces its shortlist for 2024

FIFA has unveiled the final shortlist of 26 players nominated for inclusion in the 2024 FIFPRO Men’s World XI, celebrating their outstanding performances for their respective clubs.

This exclusive award is determined by the players themselves, making it the only global honor based solely on votes from professional footballers. Manchester City leads with eight representatives in the shortlist, a testament to their exceptional performances across all competitions last season.

The FIFPRO Men’s World XI aims to assemble the best starting XI from the top football talent worldwide over the past year. The nominees come from a pool of over 28,000 professional footballers spanning 70 countries. Each player selects the top three goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from an initial list of 250 candidates.

The final team consists of the goalkeeper, three defenders, three midfielders, and three forwards with the highest number of votes. The remaining outfield player with the most votes completes the prestigious XI.

Who are the players on FIFPRO’s final shortlist for 2024?

Goalkeepers:

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Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer recently shared that he nearly turned down the chance to become one of Stamford Bridge’s brightest talents, revealing he was close to rejecting a transfer to the London club.

The former Manchester City midfielder, who joined Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance in the summer of 2023, has quickly established himself as a key player in the Premier League this season.

Already making his mark, Palmer has scored seven goals in 13 appearances, including four during Chelsea’s emphatic victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in September. Reflecting on the move, Palmer admitted, “I wasn’t even gonna go [to] Chelsea… I got persuaded,” he revealed in an interview with *GQ*.

Despite his loyalty to his boyhood club, Palmer felt a change was necessary to gain more regular playing time, knowing his chances would be limited at City under Pep Guardiola.

“Even when I was going to England [camps] with younger age groups, you had players there who were playing in the league every week. And you’re looking around thinking, I can play in the league,” Palmer explained. “When you’re not playing, it’s annoying.”

Initially, Palmer hoped for a loan move, but Chelsea’s swift negotiations meant there was little time for goodbyes. “I remember training on a Wednesday at City in the afternoon, and the news was ‘they’re trying to agree a fee’. Every time the ball went out, I’d ask the kit man or the doctor if they’ve agreed the fee yet,” he shared.

Ultimately, he left with a simple message to his former teammates, saying, “Thanks and everything. I’m gone.”

Since joining Chelsea, Palmer has become an essential fixture, featuring in every Premier League game this season.

His success and seamless integration have solidified his role within the team, making him an invaluable part of Chelsea’s plans moving forward.

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The Premier League has announced the winners of the Player and Manager of the Month awards for September 2024. Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer has been named the Premier League Player of the Month, while Blues manager Enzo Maresca has won the Manager of the Month award.

Palmer earned the Player of the Month accolade after a standout month, highlighted by his remarkable four-goal performance in just 21 minutes against Brighton & Hove Albion.

This feat made him the first player in Premier League history to score four goals in the first half of a match.

Cold performances, clinical finishes.

Cole Palmer is September’s @premierleague Player of the Month.#FC25 pic.twitter.com/g8Qfsj1FVi

— EA SPORTS FC (@EASPORTSFC) October 11, 2024

Additionally, Palmer provided an assist in Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace and found the back of the net in their 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

His contributions led the division in goal involvements for September. Palmer had previously won the Premier League’s Goal of the Month award in August for his impressive lob during Chelsea’s 6-2 win over Wolves.

Other nominees for the Player of the Month award included Harvey Barnes, Luis Diaz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Ryan Gravenberch, Raul Jimenez, Dwight McNeil, and Ollie Watkins, but Palmer emerged victorious for the second time in his Chelsea career. He also received England’s 2023/24 Player of the Year prize earlier in the week.

 

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On the managerial front, Enzo Maresca claimed his first Premier League Manager of the Month award. He led Chelsea to an unbeaten run in September, securing three wins and one draw. Maresca triumphed over stiff competition from Mikel Arteta, Unai Emery, Marco Silva, and Arne Slot to win the award.

He told the Premier League’s website: “We had a very good month. We all need people around us to make things better. I’m very grateful to have all of them [his staff].

 

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