Lionel Messi pips Erling Haaland to win Best FIFA men's player of the year
Xtra Time Web Desk: Lionel Messi edged out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland to win The Best FIFA Men's Player Award for 2023, after a voting tie-break during the awards night held in London on Monday. The decision came down to national team captain votes, with all four home nation skippers voting for Messi.
Messi, who guided Argentina to win the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, also helped Paris Saint Germain to clinch the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami. Notably, Messi's triumph prevailed over Haaland's treble-winning season with Manchester City, where the Norwegian scored 30 goals.
Aitana Bonmati, who guided Spain to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup was declared as the The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award 2023.
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Pep Guardiola was named the Best men's coach of the year, while several members of the Manchester City side he guided to the treble in 2023
Brazil and Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson was adjudged the Best men’s goalkeeper while Earps won the award in women’s category.
The FIFA Puskas award was given to Guilherme Madruga for his spectacular overhead kick goal for Brazilian team Botafogo.
The FIFA fair play award went to the Brazil senior men's team for the stance they took in the wake of the racist abuse suffered by their player Vinicius Jr while he was playing for Real Madrid. They wore an all-black kit for the first time to show support for Vinicius.
Brazilian legend Marta was honoured with the FIFA Special Award after calling time on her playing career in 2023.
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