The wait is over now! FIFA has announced the winners of The Best FIFA Awards on January 15, 2024, at a glittering ceremony in London. The Ceremony had all the adornments one can ask for. Winners of 9 Awards were declared on the special evening. The Best FIFA Awards were categorized in 6 different categories, which were
- THE BEST Women Player of 2023
- THE BEST Men Player of 2023
- THE BEST Women Coach of 2023
- THE BEST Men Coach of 2023
- THE BEST Women Goalkeeper of 2023
- THE BEST Men Goalkeeper of 2023
Three more categories were also induced by FIFA which were
- The FIFA PUKAS Award
- The FIFA Fan Award
- The FIFA Fairplay Award
The main focus of this article will be the winners of The BEST FIFA Awards. Let’s dive into the details
THE BEST Women Player of 2023
Aitana Bonmati has secured her spot as best women player in the best FIFA Awards winner in 2023..
This prestigious accolade is another well-deserved recognition for the exceptional midfielder. In 2023, she played a pivotal role in leading Spain to their first-ever world title and guided Barcelona to a remarkable domestic and European treble.
The determination of the winner for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award involved votes from coaches and captains of national teams worldwide, as well as input from journalists and fans. Aitana Bonmati, surpassing her teammate and the 2022 winner Alexia Putellas, emerged victorious in the poll. She faced strong competition from finalists Linda Caicedo and Jennifer Hermoso, securing 52 points compared to their respective returns of 40 and 36.
THE BEST Men Player of 2023
Lionel Messi has clinched The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2023, successfully defending the title he secured in 2022.
Once again, the Argentine superstar has been honored for his outstanding performances that captivated football enthusiasts worldwide. Messi’s exceptional achievements were acknowledged at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ ceremony in London, where he emerged as the top choice in the voting, surpassing finalists the best future starts Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
In a tiebreaker, Messi’s number of first-choice nominations in votes from national team captains secured his victory over Haaland, the 2022 World Cup winner. French striker Mbappe finished in third place with 35 points.
This victory marks Messi’s eighth individual award, as he had previously won the Best FIFA Men’s Player accolade in 2019 and had been recognized by FIFA as the leading player in the men’s game on five occasions in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2015. The one of the best football players of this generation, Leonal Messi successfully secured his place in The Best FIFA Awards winner list.
THE BEST Women Coach of 2023
Sarina Wiegman has earned the Best FIFA Women’s Coach title for 2023.
The England manager secured this accolade after yet another remarkable year, marked by leading the Lionesses to the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ and securing victories in the Arnold Clark Cup and Women’s Finalissima.
Wiegman triumphed over competitors Emma Hayes and Jonatan Giraldez at The Best FIFA Football Awards™, earning 28 scoring points, surpassing Hayes’ 18 points and Giraldez’s return of 14 points. Notably, Wiegman has now graced The Best podium on seven occasions, an achievement unmatched by any player or coach in the history of the awards. For her significant achievements in 2023, Sarina Wiegman declared as the best women Coach in the best FIFA Awards.
THE BEST Men Coach of 2023
Pep Guardiola has been declared The Best FIFA Men’s Coach in the Best FIFA Awards for the year 2023.
This prestigious award is a testament to Guardiola’s outstanding leadership during an era of unprecedented success at Manchester City. The Spanish manager guided the club to an historic treble in the 2022/23 season, securing triumphs in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup.
Guardiola’s exceptional team continued its winning streak in 2023, adding two more trophies to their collection by claiming the UEFA Super Cup and concluding the calendar year with a victorious campaign at the FIFA Club World Cup™.
In the voting process, Guardiola emerged as the top choice, amassing 28 scoring points, surpassing Italian counterparts Luciano Spalletti (18 points) and Simone Inzaghi (11 points). The assessments were based on achievements spanning from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. For his magnificant achievements in 2023, Pep Guardiola declared as the best women Coach in the best FIFA Awards.
THE BEST Women Goalkeeper of 2023
Mary Earps has secured The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award for the second consecutive year, making history as the first two-time winner of this accolade in the Best FIFA Awards in 2023.
The determination of the award involved votes from coaches and captains of national teams worldwide, as well as input from journalists and fans. In this polling, Earps emerged triumphant with 28 scoring points, surpassing Catalina Coll of Spain (14 points) and Australia’s Mackenzie Arnold (12 points).
Since claiming The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award in 2022, Earps has consistently showcased her exceptional skills. The England No1, who spent two years in international exile between 2019 and 2021, continued to dazzle as the Lionesses achieved victories in the Finalissima.
Her remarkable saves and shootout heroics were instrumental in these achievements, and Earps’ stellar performances at the World Cup earned her the adidas Golden Glove award. Additionally, she was recognized as the best goalkeeper in England’s WSL, boasting an impressive record of 14 shutouts from just 22 appearances for Manchester United last season. For her excellent performance, Mary Earps clinched in the Best FIFA Awards winner list.
THE BEST Men Goalkeeper of 2023
Ederson has been honored as The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of 2023.
The Brazilian goalkeeper received this prestigious accolade following an exceptional year in which the 30-year-old played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign. Ederson was presented with the trophy at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ during a gala event in London on Monday, having secured the top spot in the poll with 23 scoring points. He outperformed fellow finalists Thibaut Courtois (20 points) and Yassine Bounou (16 points).
This esteemed award was determined through voting by national team coaches and captains, along with expert journalists and supporters globally. Notably, Ederson becomes the second Brazilian goalkeeper to receive The Best Men’s Goalkeeper title, following in the footsteps of Alisson, who achieved the honor in 2019. For his excellent performance, Ederson got number spot in the Best FIFA Awards winner list.
Apart from these winners, Here are the winners of The Best FIFA Awards
The FIFA PUKAS Award
Madruga Clinches Puskás Award with Breathtaking Overhead Kick. Midfielder’s Remarkable Acrobatic Strike Voted as Winner, Outshining Impressive Efforts from Nuno Santos and Julio Enciso. The FIFA Pukas Awards is one of the famous Awards in the best FIFA Awards.
The FIFA Fan Award
Colón de Santa Fe Supporter Secures The Best FIFA Awards for a Fan with an Iconic Moment. The viral image of a father and his infant son at the match resonated with the footballing world.
The FIFA Fairplay Award
Brazil clinches The FIFA Awards for fair play for a Powerful Message against Racism. The Seleção donned all-black shirts for the first time in their history during a friendly game against Guinea.