Manchester City have officially received five nominations for the 2025 edition of FIFA’s The Best Awards, despite a challenging campaign in the 2024/25 season.The announcement arrives only weeks after the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, where new City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was honoured with the Yashin Trophy for the second time in his career—affirming his reputation as the world’s best goalkeeper shortly after arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
City’s Struggles Reflected in the Nominations
Many expected that Manchester City might fall short in individual recognition this year after a season without major silverware—the first time since 2017. City narrowly lost the Premier League title to Liverpool, exited the UEFA Champions League before the round of 16, went out in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, and suffered defeat to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final.
As a result, City have no nominee for the prestigious The Best FIFA Men’s Player award. Even more surprising, Pep Guardiola—despite his historic achievements in previous years—does not appear in the shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach.
City Still Represented Across the Awards
While the club’s most celebrated categories are empty this year, Manchester City still hold five nominations across other award lists, highlighting individual brilliance despite a difficult season.
City remain active in domestic competitions as well, preparing for a Carabao Cup quarter-final showdown against Brentford in mid-December. Meanwhile, the FA Cup will return early in the new year, offering further opportunities for squad members to shine.
Conclusion
Although the 2024/25 season did not deliver the silverware Manchester City fans expected, the club’s presence in the FIFA The Best Awards shows that world football still recognises the talent and quality within the squad. The upcoming months—especially in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup—provide fresh chances for players to build momentum toward further individual and collective success.
FAQ
1. How many Manchester City players were nominated?
A total of five players received nominations for the 2025 FIFA The Best Awards.
2. Did any City player receive a nomination for The Best Men’s Player?
No, Manchester City have no nominees for that category this year.
3. Was Pep Guardiola nominated for Best Coach?
No, Guardiola is not included in the shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach.
4. Which City player recently won a major award?
Gianluigi Donnarumma recently won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
5. What are City’s upcoming key fixtures?
They face Brentford in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in mid-December, with the FA Cup also returning in early 2025.