In the thrilling realm of football, the 2023 FIFA Awards unfolded with Lionel Messi securing the Best FIFA Men’s Player for the third time in four years. The competition was fierce, with the Argentine maestro edging past the prolific Erling Haaland and the electrifying Kylian Mbappe.
- Messi’s Triumph:
- Lionel Messi triumphed with 48 points, sharing the top spot with Haaland, but securing victory with more votes from national team captains. This marks his eighth individual award, underscoring his enduring dominance in the football world.
¡Leo Messi es coronado como #TheBest! 👑🇦🇷
Más información. ➡️ https://t.co/qcpLYR0GaO pic.twitter.com/afSBEpfK8s
— Copa Mundial FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) January 15, 2024
Aitana Bonmati Shines as Best Women’s Player
On the women’s front, the spotlight fell on Aitana Bonmati, the Spanish sensation and Barcelona striker, who claimed the Best FIFA Women’s Player Award. Her exceptional contributions in both domestic and international arenas made her a standout choice.
- Bonmati’s Victory:
- Aitana Bonmati seized the accolade with 52 points, reflecting her stellar performances that propelled Spain to a historic world title and Barcelona to a domestic and European treble.
The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award:
Here’s a breakdown of the top three players:
- Lionel Messi (48 points): Clinching the award for his outstanding contributions to Argentina, PSG, and Inter Miami.
- Erling Haaland (48 points): The Norwegian striker’s remarkable treble-winning season with Manchester City impressed voters.
- Kylian Mbappe (35 points): The dynamic French forward secured the third spot.
The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award:
Unveiling the leading ladies:
- Aitana Bonmati (52 points): The Spanish and Barcelona star’s exceptional year earned her the coveted title.
- Linda Caicedo (40 points): The runner-up showcased remarkable skills in the competition.
- Jenni Hermoso (36 points): Securing the third position, the forward contributed significantly to her team’s success.
Goalkeepers and Coaches: Recognizing Excellence
In the realm of goalkeeping and coaching, FIFA acknowledged stellar performances:
- Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper:
- Ederson (23 points): Manchester City’s shot-stopper excelled, securing the top spot.
- Thibaut Courtois (20 points): The Real Madrid goalkeeper claimed the second position.
- Yassine Bounou (16 points): Securing the third spot, the Moroccan goalkeeper showcased his skills.
- Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper:
- Mary Earps (28 points): The Manchester United and England No. 1 claimed the top spot.
- Catalina Coll (14 points): The second position went to the Spanish goalkeeper.
- Mackenzie Arnold (12 points): Securing the third spot, the Australian goalkeeper made her mark.
- Best FIFA Men’s Coach:
- Pep Guardiola (28 points): Manchester City’s treble-winning coach claimed the top spot.
- Luciano Spalletti (18 points): The Inter Milan coach secured the second position.
- Simone Inzaghi (11 points): The Napoli coach secured the third spot.
- Best FIFA Women’s Coach:
- Sarina Wiegman (28 points): The England coach claimed the top spot.
- Emma Hayes (18 points): The Chelsea manager secured the second position.
- Jonatan Giraldez (14 points): Securing the third spot, the coach made a notable impact.
Celebrating Outstanding Goals and Fair Play
- FIFA Puskas Award:
- The coveted Puskas Award went to Guilherme Madruga, celebrating his exceptional goal-scoring prowess.
- FIFA Fair Play Award:
- The Brazil national team earned the FIFA Fair Play Award, showcasing the spirit of fair competition.
In Conclusion: A Night to Remember
The 2023 FIFA Awards celebrated the pinnacle of football excellence, with Messi and Bonmati standing tall as the Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Players. The event recognized outstanding achievements in goalkeeping, coaching, and fair play, making it a night to remember for football enthusiasts worldwide
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