FIFA Best Men's Player finalists announced

In a statement released by FIFA, Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, who plays for the English Premier League team Manchester City; French striker Kylian Mbappe, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in France's Ligue 1; and Argentine Lionel Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the USA, were announced as the finalists for the FIFA Best Men's Player award.

The statement noted, "This award recognizes the most outstanding performers in men's football from 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at a ceremony to be held in London on 15 January 2024."

A total of 12 players were initially nominated for the FIFA Best Men's Player award, selected by a panel of experts. From this shortlist, the three finalists were chosen by an international jury consisting of men's national team coaches, men's national team captains, football journalists, and fans who voted on FIFA's official website.

The three finalists for the FIFA Puskas Award, given for the goal of the year, were also announced.

Julio Enciso for his goal in the Brighton vs. Manchester City match, Guilherme Madruga for his goal in the Novorizontino vs. Botafogo match, and Nuno Santos for his goal in the Sporting vs. Boavista match were nominated for the award.

For the 2023 FIFA Best Women's Player Award, Spanish footballers Aitana Bonmati and Jennifer Hermoso, along with Colombian Linda Caicedo, were nominated.

The awards will be announced on 15 January 2024.

News Source: 12punto