Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are among the candidates for FIFA’s The Best award for last year, the world football’s governing body revealed on Thursday, following their outstanding World Cup performances.
Messi, who has previously won the award, led Argentina to victory in Qatar, a victory that defined his career and increased his prospects of winning an eighth Ballon d’Or while possibly making him the favorite to win this award.
Mbappe, who scored three goals in the World Cup final, is one of three Paris Saint-Germain players nominated, along with Neymar and Achraf Hakimi.
The list of nominees is completed by Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez, Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland; the Real Madrid pair of Luka Modric and Vinicius Junior; Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Jude Bellingham.
The Ballon d’Or runner-up Beth Mead of Arsenal and Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh of the England side that won the European Championship on home soil are also eligible for nominations.
Additional awards include the Puskas Award for the best goal of 2022, the best goalie, and the best male and female coaches.
The three finalists in each category will be chosen by a public vote, which is open until February 3.
The winner is then chosen by a jury of of journalists, national team captains, coaches, and fans.
Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees
Below is the list of the nominees:
- Julián Álvarez
- Jude Bellingham
- Karim Benzema
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Erling Haaland
- Achraf Hakimi
- Robert Lewandowski
- Sadio Mané
- Kylian Mbappé
- Lionel Messi
- Luka Modrić
- Neymar