FIFA 'The Best' Awards: See all the nominees
FIFA has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious 'The Best' awards, with Real Madrid players featuring prominently in the race for the coveted male player of the year prize. Six of the ten nominees are affiliated with the Spanish football powerhouse, underscoring the club’s dominance in global football.
The list includes Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos (who retired this year), Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé, who received recognition for his contributions at both Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Real Madrid. Alongside these players are Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and Rodri, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
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The voting process for The Best award is distinctive in its democratic approach, with votes given equal weight from captains, coaches, journalists, and fans. Supporters can already cast their votes on FIFA's official website, with the voting window closing on December 10. The award ceremony's date is yet to be announced.
Real Madrid’s continued excellence
Real Madrid’s overwhelming presence among the finalists comes as no surprise. Their recent success, marked by individual brilliance and team accomplishments, is reflected in the nominations. Jude Bellingham’s remarkable impact on midfield, Vinícius Júnior’s exceptional performances in attack, and Toni Kroos’s continued influence, even in retirement, highlight the club’s sustained excellence. Carvajal and Valverde also continue to demonstrate versatility and commitment on the pitch.
Kylian Mbappé’s nomination further solidifies his status as one of football’s brightest stars, as he continues to make waves both at PSG and Real Madrid.
Additional awards and Spanish representation
Alongside the male player of the year award, FIFA’s The Best honours also include categories for the best female player, best coaches, and best goalkeepers. Spain has a strong presence in the women’s categories, with four Barcelona players nominated: Aitana Bonmatí, Mariona Caldentey, Ona Batlle, and Salma Paralluelo.
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, who led the club to another remarkable season, is among the contenders for best male coach, while former Barcelona coach Jonatan Giráldez is nominated in the female coach category.
Fan engagement and fair play recognition
The Best awards also include recognitions for Best Fan and Fair Play, alongside the Puskás Award for the best male goal and the Marta Award for the best female goal. These awards will be determined by both fan votes and a panel of FIFA Legends.
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As Real Madrid’s six male nominees vie for the top honours, the club aims to further cement its legacy in world football. Could this be another landmark achievement in the club's storied history? Only time will tell.
All The Best Awards Nominees;
Men’s Best Player Nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappé (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (retired)
Vinícius Jr. (Brazil), Real Madrid
Women’s Best Player Nominees
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (United States), Olympique Lyon
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (United States), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (United States), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (United States), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyon
Trinity Rodman (United States), Washington Spirit
Men’s Best Coach Nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina National Team
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain National Team
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen
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Women’s Best Coach Nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil Women’s National Team
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/United States
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan Women’s National Team
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City Women
Jonatan Giráldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyon/Chelsea
Men’s Best Goalkeeper Nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martínez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simón (Spain), Athletic Club
Women’s Best Goalkeeper Nominees
Alyssa Naeher (United States), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain
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