Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew was among a very select group of national team captains whose votes stood out in the final results of the 2025 FIFA The Best Men’s Player award, opting to place Chelsea star Cole Palmer at the very top of his ballot.

Paris Saint-Germain and France forward Ousmane Dembélé ultimately claimed the prestigious individual honour after a trophy-laden season that included PSG’s maiden UEFA Champions League triumph.

However, Ayew’s voting reflected a different personal assessment of individual excellence over the eligibility period.

Full list of winners at Fifa’s 'The Best Awards'

Ayew ranked Palmer first, ahead of Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé in second place, with eventual winner Dembélé placed third.

The Ghana skipper was one of only three national team captains worldwide to select Palmer as their number one pick.

The others were Cook Islands captain Thane Pora and Trinidad and Tobago skipper Kevin Molino.

Palmer enjoyed a standout season at Chelsea, emerging as the club’s creative heartbeat with decisive goals, assists and match-winning performances across domestic and European competitions.

His influence and consistency clearly left a strong impression on Ayew, despite the England international missing out on the top prize.

Mbappé, who finished ahead of Palmer in the final global ranking, had another prolific campaign for Real Madrid, while Dembélé’s decisive role in PSG’s historic Champions League success ultimately swung the wider vote in his favour.

FKA/EB