Norway’s Erling Haaland, Frenchman Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are finalists for the Best FIFA Football Awards’ Player of the Year, the International Federation of Football announced.
However, the gangling Norwegian will have to contend with France and PSG forward, Kylian Mbappe, and Argentina and Inter Miami icon, Lionel Messi.
All three have been shortlisted for the men’s player of the year at the 2023 FIFA Best awards.
The 23-year-old Haaland made a significant impact in Manchester City’s Champions League, English Premier League and FA Cup triple success. The Norwegian striker netted 52 goals in 53 matches, 12 of them in the Champions League.
Mbappé, aged 24, and Messi, now 36, secured the French championship with Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentinean added to his honours by joining Inter Miami in July and helping it win the Leagues Cup, a tournament involving American and Mexican clubs.
Mbappé ended the past season with 41 goals from 43 matches in all competitions. Messi concluded his PSG stint with 21 goals in 41 matches before scoring 11 in 14 games with Inter Miami. He won his eighth Ballon d’Or in late October.
In the female category, Aitana Bonmati, Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso are the finalists for the award.
Julio Enciso, Guilherme Madruga and Nuno Santos were selected as the final three for the Puskas award, which is for the best goal of the year.
The winners will be announced on Monday, 15 January in London.
Haaland, Mbappe, as well as Messi, were chosen from an initial list of 12.
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Bonmati, 18-year-old Colombia and Real Madrid forward Caicedo, as well as Spain and Pachuca forward Hermoso, were shortlisted from 16 players.
The women’s award is for performances from 1 August 2022 to 20 August 2023 and includes Spain’s 2023 World Cup victory.
National team coaches, captains, journalists and fans make up the list of voters.
Best Men’s players
Erling Haaland (Norway/Man City)
Kylian Mbappe (France/Paris St-Germain)
Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami)
Best Women’s players
Aitana Bonmati (Spain/Barcelona)
Linda Caicedo (Colombia/Real Madrid)
Jenni Hermoso (Spain/Pachuca)
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
