Following the FIFA "The Best" awards ceremony where Ousmane Dembélé was crowned the 2024-25 Player of the Year, details of the voting process have emerged. Unlike the Ballon d'Or, this award is determined by a balanced vote from national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans.

A notable development occurred within the Portuguese delegation. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to vote due to a suspension incurred during Portugal's last match. Consequently, Bernardo Silva, who wore the captain's armband in that fixture, took over voting duties. Silva prioritized his compatriots, voting for Vitinha first and Nuno Mendes second, with Dembélé as his third choice. Portugal coach Roberto Martínez also favored the same duo, though he placed Lamine Yamal in his third slot.

Other key figures revealed their preferences as well. Argentina captain Lionel Messi gave his top vote to the eventual winner, Dembélé, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Yamal. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente chose Pedri as his top pick, while Spanish captain Unai Simón favored Yamal. Interestingly, Carlo Ancelotti cast his votes for Dembélé and Raphinha, placing his own player, Mbappé, in third.