The highly anticipated Best FIFA Awards for 2023 unfolded with an electrifying atmosphere, as football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly awaited the crowning of the sport’s most exceptional talents. In a moment of déjà vu, Lionel Messi emerged victorious as the best men’s player for the second consecutive year, etching his name further into footballing immortality.
However, the triumph was not without suspense, as the relentless Erling Haaland posed a formidable challenge, showcasing the intensity of competition at the pinnacle of the beautiful game.
While Messi’s accolades sparkled, the women’s category brought a fresh wave of attention and intrigue. Aitana Bonmati, hailing from Spain, stepped into the limelight by securing the coveted title of the best women’s player.
Table of Contents
Messi Reigns Again, Haaland Robbed?
The FIFA Awards and the Ballon d’Or, once closely intertwined, have diverged in recent years. The Ballon d’Or, traditionally decided by journalists, gave way to The Best, a system that combines fan votes with inputs from a panel of journalists, national team captains, and coaches. The shift has brought transparency, but as Erling Haaland’s case highlights, it also raises questions about the impact of popularity and alliances in the voting process.
Votes Speak Volumes
A deep dive into the voting patterns reveals intriguing choices and alliances among players and coaches. Cristiano Ronaldo’s selective voting for Messi and Messi reciprocating, despite their intense on-field rivalry, adds a layer of complexity to the awards. Notable exclusions include Pepe, who favored Haaland over Messi, and former Manchester United coach Ralph Rangnick, who entirely omitted Messi from his list.
Despite the eligibility period not covering the 2022 World Cup, Messi gathered significant support from captains worldwide. From China’s Xi Wu to Portugal’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, Messi’s global appeal is evident. However, some surprising omissions, like Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann and England’s Gareth Southgate, underscore the varied opinions within the football community.
U.S. Votes and Surprises
The USWNT’s Lindsey Horan’s intriguing choice to not vote for her teammates in a disappointing Women’s World Cup year raises eyebrows. Meanwhile, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter’s preference for Rodri over Messi reflects the diversity of opinions within the American soccer scene. As the highest-ranked American, Lauren James’s sixth-place finish is noteworthy in both men’s and women’s categories.
James Shines, Kane Snubbed
Despite England’s impressive representation in the Best XI, Lauren James emerged as the top performer, finishing sixth. The lack of votes for Harry Kane, a standout performer in the Premier League, is surprising, while Declan Rice’s unexpected first-place vote adds an intriguing layer to the English contingent.
Unexpected Selections and Snubs
Votes for players like Marcelo Brozovic and Victor Osimhen receiving as much attention as treble-winning Rodri raise eyebrows. Ronaldo’s continued absence from the nominations, despite stellar performances, and Roberto Martinez’s surprising choice of Brozovic over Bernardo Silva contribute to the unpredictability of The Best FIFA Awards.
Conclusion
While Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmati, and Pep Guardiola celebrated victories at The Best FIFA Awards 2023, Erling Haaland’s closely contested loss has ignited debates about the fairness of the voting process. As the football world reflects on the surprises, snubs, and unexpected choices, the awards continue to be a source of excitement, controversy, and global discussion.