The results of the 2023 FIFA Best Men's Player Award have been announced, and it was Argentine superstar Lionel Messi who emerged victorious, edging out Manchester City's rising star Erling Haaland for the prestigious accolade. In a closely contested race, both players received an equal number of points in the voting process. However, Messi secured the win due to his higher tally of first-choice nominations.
Messi's career can only be described as truly remarkable, boasting an impressive collection of eight Ballon d'Or awards. Following his triumphant leadership in Argentina's World Cup victory in December 2022, he concluded his professional tenure with Paris Saint-Germain before embarking on a new chapter with the Miami International team in Major League Soccer. Wasting no time, Messi swiftly left his mark in the United States, contributing to his team's conquest of the League Cup championship. Despite encountering difficulties in the French Ligue 1, he unquestionably retains his status as one of the most exceptional players in today's football landscape.
Another notable recipient of personal accolades at the ceremony was Alexia Putella, a talented Spanish women's football player who was crowned FIFA's Best Women's Player. At just 25 years old, Putella played a pivotal role in Spain's triumph in the World Cup and Barcelona's conquest of the UEFA Champions League in 2023, culminating in a remarkable sweep of individual honours. In addition to the FIFA award, she has also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or, the World Cup Golden Ball Award, and the UEFA Women's Player of the Year award in recent months, solidifying her status as one of the brightest stars in women's football.
Meanwhile, the Best Coach award was bestowed upon Pep Guardiola, the esteemed coach of Manchester City. Guardiola's remarkable achievements include guiding his team to a historic third consecutive English Premier League title, securing the FA Cup for the second time, and clinching the UEFA Champions League for the first time in 2023. His tactical brilliance and leadership have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the success of Manchester City, earning him well-deserved recognition as the best coach.
In addition, there were awards for Best Team of the Year and the Puskás Award. Haaland and his five Manchester City teammates, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rúben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne, were named the Best Team of the Year. Real Madrid's Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., Messi, and Mbappé were also included in the team. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson won the Best Men's Goalkeeper award, while England and Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps won the women's award.
Under the leadership of Best Women's Player Alexia Putella and Best Women's Coach Sarina Wiegman, seven English female footballers were named in the Best Team of the Year. The Puskás Award for Best Goal went to Botafogo's Guilherme Madureira for his spectacular overhead kick.
Overall, the unveiling of the 2023 FIFA Best Men's Player Award, alongside the other distinguished honours, serves as a powerful testament to the zenith of global football and provides a glimpse into the trajectory of its future advancement. This grand occasion not only celebrates the exceptional talent and accomplishments of the awarded individuals, but it also symbolizes the continuous evolution and growth of the beautiful game on a global scale. The significance of these awards extends beyond mere recognition, serving as a compass guiding the path of football's ongoing development and shaping the aspirations of players, clubs, and fans worldwide.