While France Football recently awarded the Ballon d’Or to Rodri, FIFA is now entering the annual awards race with its prestigious FIFA The Best trophies.
The worldwide organization has revealed the lists of nominees in all categories, including the awards for best player, best coach and best goalkeeper.
Voting periods and procedures
The voting period runs from August 21, 2023 to August 10, 2024. The public can vote on the official FIFA website until December 10, 2024 at 11:59 pm. These votes, combined with those of a panel of experts appointed by FIFA, will determine the winners.
Spain and Real Madrid out in force
Spain dominates this year’s competition, with a host of representatives including Dani Carvajal, Rodri and prodigy Lamine Yamal for the Best Player award. Real Madrid is also strongly represented, with six players nominated, including Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, who recently joined the club.
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí, crowned best player at the last edition, is once again among the contenders. French coaches Sonia Bompastor and Sandrine Soubeyrand, as well as Mike Maignan in the goalkeepers’ category, are flying the flag for France.
The main nominees by category
Best player
Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)
Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)
Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)
Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)
Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)
Vinícius Jr (Brazil, Real Madrid)
Best female player
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Barbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghái Shengli/Orlando Pride)
Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)
Salma Paralluelo (Spain, FC Barcelona)
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais)
Best Coach – Men’s Football
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)
Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)
Xabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)
Best Coach – Women’s Football
Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea/United States)
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France, Paris FC)
Sonia Bompastor (France, OL/Chelsea)
Best goalkeeper
Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)
Mike Maignan (France, AC Milan)
Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Bilbao)
Next meeting
FIFA has yet to announce the official date of the awards ceremony. In the meantime, soccer fans have until December 10 to support their favorites.
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