By Ollus Ndomu
The football world is abuzz with anticipation as the shortlist for the prestigious Best FIFA Men’s Player Award was unveiled. The star-studded trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are vying for the coveted title, setting the stage for a fierce competition. Reigning World Cup champions Messi, hailing from Argentina, and Spain’s Alexia Putellas, who clinched the FIFA Women’s Player Award last year, currently hold the top player awards.
The nominees were carefully selected by a distinguished panel of football experts, including retired legends Mia Hamm and Didier Drogba.
The inclusion of Lionel Messi on the shortlist comes as no surprise to anyone familiar with the footballing world.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Messi’s performances have consistently dazzled fans and critics alike. His unmatched dribbling skills, precise passing, and goal-scoring prowess have cemented his place in history.
This year, Messi’s triumphant return to Barcelona was marked by exceptional performances and numerous accolades, making him a strong contender for the award.
Kylian Mbappe, the French sensation, has been nothing short of phenomenal in recent years. His blistering speed, clinical finishing, and ability to shine on the biggest stages have propelled him to superstardom.
Mbappe played a crucial role in France’s 2022 World Cup victory, underlining his status as a game-changer. With each passing season, he continues to raise the bar, leaving football aficionados in awe.
Erling Haaland, the Norwegian sensation, has emerged as one of the most lethal strikers in world football. .
His remarkable goal-scoring record, physical prowess, and consistency at such a young age are nothing short of astonishing.
Haaland’s ability to find the back of the net regularly for both Borussia Dortmund and the Norwegian national team has earned him a spot among the elite.
The shortlisting process was no small feat, and the panel of experts undoubtedly had their work cut out for them.
Retired legends Mia Hamm and Didier Drogba brought their wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, ensuring that the nominees represent the pinnacle of footballing excellence.
Football fans worldwide now have the opportunity to cast their votes for the eighth annual Best FIFA Men’s Player Award. The voting window opened today and will remain active until mid-October.
The winner will be revealed at the prestigious FIFA Awards ceremony, where the footballing world will unite to celebrate the best of the best.
As the footballing universe eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner, the debate over who is most deserving will continue to captivate fans and pundits alike. Will it be Messi, continuing his reign as the king of football? Mbappe, the young prodigy with boundless potential? Or Haaland, the goal-scoring sensation who shows no signs of slowing down? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the 2023 Best FIFA Men’s Player Award promises to be a historic showdown of footballing brilliance.
