Footballer of the Year: Youngsters Haaland and Mbappe Attempt to Dethrone the "Old" Messi

Argentinian Messi gives the impression that he has a lifetime subscription to the title of the world's best footballer. Jokes have even surfaced, with photo collages featuring the Argentinian star receiving awards while using a cane circulating for some time.

Certainly, Lionel Messi, Norwegian Erling Haaland, and Frenchman Kylian Mbappe are the three nominees for the FIFA Best Men's Player award, which will be presented on January 15 in London, announced the International Football Federation. The three finalists are the same as in the "Ballon d'Or," won in October by Messi ahead of Haaland and Mbappe. The players were nominated based on their performances between December 19, 2022, after the Qatar World Cup final, and August 20, 2023. They were selected by an international jury consisting of four groups (coaches of men's national teams, captains of men's national teams, specialized journalists, and fans who voted on the FIFA website) based on an initial list of twelve players, FIFA indicated.

On the women's side, the finalists are the two Spanish world champions in 2023 Aitana Bonmati, this year's "Ballon d'Or" winner, and Jennifer Hermoso, and Colombian Linda Caicedo. Hermoso unintentionally found herself at the center of a global scandal after being forcibly kissed on the World Cup podium by the president of the Spanish Federation, Luis Rubiales, who was subsequently suspended from all functions for three years.

As known, the award for the best coach of a men's team will be contested between Spaniard Pep Guardiola, winner of the Champions League with Manchester City, Italian Simone Inzaghi, finalist with Inter Milan, and Luciano Spalletti (Napoli).

Regarding coaches of women's teams, the race is between Jonatan Giraldez (FC Barcelona), Englishwoman Emma Hayes (Chelsea FC), and Dutchwoman Sarina Wiegman (England). Among goalkeepers, Moroccan Yassine Bounou, who won the Europa League with Sevilla, Belgian Thibaut Courtois (Real Madrid), and Brazilian Ederson, champion with Manchester City, are in competition. In the women's category, Australian Mackenzie Arnold (West Ham), Catalina Coll (FC Barcelona), and Englishwoman Mary Earps (Manchester United) are the contenders.