The prestigious 2023 FIFA Best Awards are set to take place in London on Monday night, marking the third time the city hosts the event after ceremonies in 2016 and 2017. London’s rich football heritage and passionate fanbase provide the perfect backdrop for this celebration of excellence in the sport.
Similar to the Ballon d’Or, the FIFA Best Awards honor the best men’s and women’s players from the previous season. Last year, Lionel Messi secured the Best Men’s Player award after leading Argentina to World Cup victory, while Alexia Putellas, a standout player for Barcelona and Spain, claimed the Best Women’s Player honors.
Nominations for eight awards were announced in September 2023, with the final three contenders in most categories selected by an international jury. This diverse jury includes national team coaches, captains, specialist journalists, and fans who cast their votes on FIFA’s official website, amounting to over a million fan votes globally.
The votes from the four groups – coaches, captains, journalists, and fans – each carry a weight of 25 per cent, ensuring a balanced representation of the football community.
Key Finalists:
- Best Men’s Player:
- Erling Haaland – Manchester City/Norway
- Kylian Mbappe – PSG/France
- Lionel Messi – PSG/Inter Miami/Argentina
- Best Women’s Player:
- Aitana Bonmatí – Barcelona/Spain
- Linda Caicedo – Deportivo Cali/Real Madrid/Colombia
- Jenni Hermoso – Pachuca/Spain
Messi is once again among the finalists for the men’s award, competing with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. Aitana Bonmatí, the Women’s World Cup winner from Spain, is the favorite for the women’s prize.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Monday, 15th January 2024, starting at 7:30 pm GMT
- Streaming: The ceremony will be available for free streaming on the FIFA website and through FIFA+.
Additional Categories and Nominees:
- Best Men’s Coach:
- Pep Guardiola – Manchester City
- Simone Inzaghi – Inter Milan
- Luciano Spalletti – Napoli/Italy
- Best Women’s Coach:
- Jonatan Giraldez – Barcelona
- Emma Hayes – Chelsea
- Sarina Wiegman – England
- Best Men’s Goalkeeper:
- Yassine Bounou – Sevilla/Al Hilal/Morocco
- Thibaut Courtois – Real Madrid/Belgium
- Ederson – Manchester City/Brazil
- Best Women’s Goalkeeper:
- Mackenzie Arnold – West Ham/Australia
- Cata Coll – Barcelona/Spain
- Mary Earps – Manchester United/England
- Puskas Award:
- Julio Enciso – for Brighton vs Manchester City
- Guilherme Madruga – for Botafogo-SP vs Novorizontino
The awards ceremony promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing and honoring the exceptional talent and achievements in the world of football.
