The Best FIFA Awards 2023: Lionel Messi, the Argentine football superstar, clinched the Best FIFA Men's Player Award for the third time in the last four years, narrowly beating Norwegian striker Erling Haaland in a closely contested race. Aitana Bonmati, the Spanish and Barcelona striker, secured the Best FIFA Women's Player Award at The Best FIFA Awards ceremony in London on January 16. Interestingly, the 36-year-old football icon was absent during the award ceremony as Erling Haaland was the favourite for the award anticipated by many.


Pep Guardiola, the coach of Manchester City, who achieved a treble-winning season, was honoured with the Best Men's Manager of 2023 award. England coach Sarina Wiegman received the women's best coach award for a record-extending fourth time. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson and Manchester United's Mary Earps won the Best Men's and Women's Goalkeeper awards, respectively.


MESSI SHINES BRIGHT ONCE MORE


Messi secured the award primarily for his outstanding contributions at both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami. His pivotal role in guiding PSG to yet another Ligue 1 title was followed by a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in July. Messi continued to make history by inspiring Inter Miami to their inaugural trophy, the Leagues Cup. On the international stage, Messi played a crucial part in Argentina's success, leading them to the top of CONMEBOL's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification table after six games. 


CLOSE CONTEST BETWEEN MESSI AND HAALAND


In the Best FIFA Men's Player Award, Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland found themselves deadlocked with 48 points each in the FIFA rating system. However, Messi emerged as the winner by garnering more votes from national team captains. The selection of the best awards involves a comprehensive voting process, considering inputs from national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans.


Several prominent figures, including India captain Sunil Chhetri, Harry Kane, and Mohamed Salah, cast their votes in favour of Messi. Interestingly, Messi himself voted for Haaland, placing him ahead of Kylian Mbappe and his teammate Julian Alvarez in his preferences.


As per FIFA rules, in the event of finalists being tied on points, the winner is decided based on the individual who received the most first-choice selections from their own group of voters, with national team captains being the key voters in this scenario.


AITANA BONMATI BEST WOMEN'S PLAYER


Aitana Bonmati, the Barcelona star, claimed the Best Women's Player Award for 2023 after an outstanding season at both club and international levels. The award is a fitting recognition for the 25-year-old midfielder, who inspired Spain to their maiden world title and helped Barcelona achieve a domestic and European treble.


THE BEST FIFA AWARDS 2023: FULL LIST WITH POINTS


The Best FIFA Men's Player


Winner: Lionel Messi (48 points)
Second: Erling Haaland (48 points)
Third: Kylian Mbappe (35 points)


The Best FIFA Women's Player


Winner: Aitana Bonmati (52 points)
Second: Linda Caicedo (40 points)
Third: Jenni Hermoso (36 points)


The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper


Winner: Ederson (23 points)
Second: Thibaut Courtois (20 points)
Third: Yassine Bounou (16 points)


The Best FIFA Women's Goalkeeper


Winner: Mary Earps (28 points)
Second: Catalina Coll (14 points)
Third: Mackenzie Arnold (12 points)


The Best FIFA Men's Coach


Winner: Pep Guardiola (28 points)
Second: Luciano Spalletti (18 points)
Third: Simone Inzaghi (11 points)


The Best FIFA Women's Coach


Winner: Sarina Wiegman (28 points)
Second: Emma Hayes (18 points)
Third: Jonatan Giraldez (14 points)


The FIFA Puskas Award


Guilherme Madruga


The FIFA Fair Play Award


Brazil national team