The football fever never seems to end as something or the other is always going around with the sport. The years 2022 and 2023 have given us some spectacular moments in international football, with Argentina winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup after 36 years, Manchester City winning the Champions League 2022-2023 season, Spain winning the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and much more.
The 2022-2023 had some remarkable performances from players from across the globe and FIFA has now finally rolled out the official list of nominees for the 2023 FIFA Best Player Awards. The line-up is pretty star-studded with the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland making the list for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award. Lionel Messi, who was finally able to lift the third FIFA World Cup for Argentina and is considered a legend throughout the globe is the reigning FIFA Best Men’s Player Award holder.
Five of the England Women’s Football Team are recognized for their efforts in reaching the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, with Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, and Keira Walsh up for The Best FIFA Women’s Player and Mary Earps vying to be The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper.
Furthermore, there are four victorious Spanish players on The Best Women’s Player list, hoping to succeed last year’s winner Alexia Putellas, including Jenni Hermoso. England women’s head coach Sarina Wiegman is up for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach prize, along with Chelsea’s WSL-winning boss Emma Hayes – but there is no nomination for Spain’s now-sacked head coach Jorge Vilda.
From the Club Football scene, Haaland is joined in the running by six of his Manchester City treble-winning team-mates – including Ederson in the goalkeepers’ category – and their manager Pep Guardiola is up for the men’s coach prize. Current Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is also in the running for that award after winning a treble with Celtic.
The nominees were shortlisted by a panel of football experts who reviewed longer lists compiled by FIFA based on the candidates’ achievements during the respective award eligibility periods. The player, goalkeeper, and coach awards will be decided by an international jury of coaches, captains, journalists, and fans.
