Messi, Haaland, and Mbappé are contenders for the FIFA Best Men's Player award

The selection of the first two names is not surprising. Haaland won the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last year. 

The Norwegian striker also became the top scorer in the league with a record number of goals and won the European Golden Shoe.

Mbappé also had a more than commendable 2023. The Frenchman won Ligue 1, became the top scorer of the league, and was named player of the year in France. With the national team, Mbappé contributed significantly to the qualification for the European Championship with nine goals and seven assists.

The somewhat surprising name among the final three is Messi. The Argentine won the title in 2022, the year he became a world champion, but moved to Inter Miami in the summer. In the MLS, Messi has scored once in six matches so far.

All players were evaluated based on their performances from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023. The winner will be announced on Monday, January 15, in London.

Spain on Top

In the women's category, there is a clear favorite among the last three. Bonmati won the World Cup with Spain, was named UEFA Women's Player of the Year, and earlier this year took home the Ballon d'Or. As a midfielder during the victorious World Cup, Bonmati contributed three goals and two assists.

She faces competition from her compatriot Hermoso. The forward now plays for Mexico's Pachuca but was crucial in Spain's victory march at the World Cup. Spain's all-time top scorer added three more goals to her tally in Australia and New Zealand.

The two Spaniards are joined by eighteen-year-old prodigy Caicedo. The Colombian made a big impression at the World Cup and in 2023 made a free transfer from Deportivo Cali to Real Madrid.