The football world turns its attention to the prestigious FIFA Best Awards, where the heroes of recent major tournaments rightfully take center stage. Mostplay brings you an exclusive, in-depth look at the nominees, analyzing the standout performances that have defined the past year of international football. From England’s triumphant Lionesses to Argentina’s World Cup glory, the shortlists are a testament to individual brilliance on the grandest stages.
Lionel Messi’s iconic World Cup victory with Argentina cemented his place as a nominee for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, a story covered in detail by Mostplay.
Celebrating the Lionesses’ Historic Achievement
The incredible success of the England Women’s team at the UEFA European Championship is powerfully reflected in the nominations. Three key pillars of that victorious squad have earned their spot on the 14-player shortlist for The Best FIFA Women’s Player award.
Golden Boot winner Beth Mead is recognized for her explosive attacking contributions, while captain Leah Williamson is nominated for her inspirational leadership and defensive solidity. Completing the English trio is midfield maestro Keira Walsh, whose pinpoint passing and game intelligence were fundamental to the team’s success. They face stiff competition from the reigning champion, Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas, and Chelsea’s prolific Sam Kerr.
A Men’s List Headlined by World Cup Royalty
The men’s award shortlist is dominated by the story of the Qatar 2022 World Cup. It comes as no surprise that Argentina’s iconic captain, Lionel Messi, leads the contenders after finally lifting the one trophy that had eluded him, captivating a global audience in the process.
He is joined by his international teammate, Manchester City’s rising star Julian Alvarez. France’s Kylian Mbappé, who delivered a stunning hat-trick in an unforgettable final, is also nominated despite ending up on the losing side. His phenomenal individual effort ensures his place among the best.
Premier League and European Stars Shine
The influence of the Premier League is strong on the list. Alongside Alvarez, his Manchester City colleagues Kevin De Bruyne and goal-scoring phenomenon Erling Haaland are nominated. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah also makes the cut, continuing his consistent record of elite performance.
The list also honors incredible team achievements. The stunning Cinderella story of Morocco, who reached the World Cup semi-finals, is represented by PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi. Furthermore, key members of Real Madrid’s latest UEFA Champions League-winning squad—Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, and Vinicius Junior—are all in contention for the top prize.
The Masterminds: Coach of the Year Nominees
The coaches who orchestrated these incredible team successes are also rightly honored. The men’s shortlist is a who’s who of tactical genius, featuring Argentina’s World Cup-winning manager Lionel Scaloni, France’s Didier Deschamps, and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. They are joined by Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Morocco’s Walid Regragui, whose historic achievement captured the hearts of neutral fans everywhere.
On the women’s side, Mostplay highlights England’s Sarina Wiegman as a frontrunner after masterminding the Euros victory. She is nominated alongside Chelsea’s Emma Hayes, Lyon’s Sonia Bompastor, and other top-tier managerial talent.
Recognizing Goalkeeping Excellence and Spectacular Goals
The awards also celebrate specialists and moments of pure magic. England’s goalkeeper Mary Earps is nominated for the best women’s goalkeeper prize after a stellar tournament.
The hunt for the Puskás Award for the best goal features two unforgettable World Cup moments: Kylian Mbappé’s blistering volley in the final and Richarlison’s spectacular scissor kick for Brazil against Serbia. However, it faces fierce competition from Alessia Russo’s audacious and ingenious back-heeled finish for England in the Euro semi-final against Sweden—a goal that exemplified the flair and confidence of the champion team.
Mostplay Insight: What the Experts Say
Football analyst Mark Thompson shared his perspective with us: “This year’s shortlists perfectly narrate the story of the footballing year. The recognition of the Lionesses is fully deserved and reflects a monumental shift in the women’s game. On the men’s side, while individual club performances were stellar, the World Cup was always going to be the defining factor, placing Messi and Mbappé at the forefront.”
England’s Euro Heroes and Messi Lead the Charge in Mostplay FIFA Best Awards Breakdown
The stage is set for a thrilling awards ceremony. The nominations celebrate a year where international tournaments delivered drama, emotion, and the highest quality of football. From team triumphs to individual moments of genius, the shortlists have it all. Voting is now closed, and the world awaits to see who will be crowned the best of the best.
Who do you think deserves to win each award? Were there any surprise inclusions or omissions? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below, and stay tuned to Mostplay for all the results and reaction when the winners are announced.
