Introduction

The anticipation surrounding the FIFA Best Players Awards 2024 has reached a fever pitch in the ever-thrilling world of football. As football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the crowning of the best of the best, we delve into the intricate details of this prestigious event, shining a spotlight on the nominees, the ceremony, and the significance of these awards in the football universe.

The FIFA Best Players Awards 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the football calendar, where outstanding talent is acknowledged and celebrated globally. The football fraternity is excited, with many exceptional players vying for the coveted titles.

FIFA Best Players Awards 2024 Winners

Before the grand gala unfolds, a meticulous nomination process takes place. Football fans eagerly anticipate the release of the shortlist, a carefully curated selection of players who have left an indelible mark on the sport. The Ballon d’Or contenders are among the frontrunners, showcasing exceptional skills and stellar performances throughout the year.

Men’s player: Lionel Messi

Leo Messi secured victory in The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, breaking a tie with Erling Haaland by gaining an advantage in points awarded by national captains. Messi’s remarkable achievement marks his third win of the prestigious accolade, making him the first footballer to achieve such a feat. The Argentine maestro accumulated 48 points, comprising 13 from captains, 11 from coaches, 11 from journalists, and 13 from fans.

On the other hand, Haaland, who also garnered 48 points, received 11 from captains, 13 from coaches, 13 from journalists, and 11 from fans.

Kylian Mbappé secured the third position with 35 votes, including nine from captains, nine from coaches, nine from journalists, and eight from fans, completing an exciting night in football recognition.

Women’s player: Aitana Bonmati

Aitana Bonmati, a key player for Barcelona and the Spanish national team, clinched victory in the women’s category on Monday, surpassing Colombia’s Linda Caicedo and Real Madrid’s Jennifer Hermoso.

In the period spanning from August 2022 to August 2023, as covered by The Best, Bonmati achieved an extraordinary feat by securing titles in the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand with the Spanish national team, the Spanish league, the Spanish Super Cup, and the Champions League with Barcelona.

The midfielder realized a dream in 2023, culminating in her October triumph of the Ballon d’Or, where she outshone Australia’s Sam Kerr and compatriot Salma Paracuello. Bonmati’s stellar performances also earned her the Ballon d’Or for the World Cup, having played a pivotal role in every match.

Additionally, UEFA recognized her as the best female footballer of the year. Notably, Bonmati etched her name in history by becoming the first person to win all the titles she competed for in a single season and be voted the best player.

Men’s coach: Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola, the coach of Manchester City, was named the best coach of the year, beating Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Napoli’s Luciano Spalletti.

Guardiola achieved the second treble in English football history between December 19, 2022, and August 20, 2023, securing Manchester City’s fifth Premier League title, first-ever Champions League victory, and the FA Cup.

In his seventh season with the Citizens, Guardiola fulfilled his dream of replicating the treble he previously achieved with Barcelona while also delivering City’s maiden Champions League triumph.

Women’s coach: Sarina Wiegman

Both of the winning coaches took their awards by a significant margin.

1. Sarina Wiegman (28 points)
2.  Emma Hayes (18 points)
3.  Jonatan Giraldez (14 points)

Sarina Wiegman secured the Women’s Coach honor at the FIFA awards, underscoring her outstanding leadership in women’s football. Wiegman’s strategic brilliance and commitment to excellence were key factors in her well-deserved recognition.

Men’s goalkeeper: Ederson

The treble-winning goalkeeper has a new addition to his ever-growing collection of personal accolades.

Ederson has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper of 2024.

The Brazilian shot-stopper was awarded the honor following a stellar year in which the 30-year-old kept a goal for Manchester City during a historic treble-winning campaign.

Ederson was presented with the trophy at The Best FIFA Football Awards™ at a gala event in London on Monday after topping the poll with 23 scoring points, ahead of fellow finalists Thibaut Courtois (20 points) and Yassine Bounou (16 points).

Women’s goalkeeper: Mary Earps

After winning her award, Mary Earps spoke to the media: “I just realized I didn’t thank any family and friends, and I feel like an idiot!”

Whether giving a speech at an awards ceremony or facing a penalty in a World Cup final is harder: “For a penalty, I’m more geared up. This is totally out of my comfort zone.”

On winning this award two straight years: “It feels even more special. To have consistency is the most difficult thing you can do in football. It is hard to maintain levels when people have high expectations of you.”

On speaking out about her mental health: “It’s not something I want to harp on about, but we must be honest. Our lives are not just these shiny rainbows; I would not be here without my family, whom I forgot to thank.”

Puskas Award: Guilherme Madruga

Three Brazilians have claimed the FIFA Puskás Award after Guilherme Madruga emulated Neymar and Wendell Lira. No other nation has produced multiple winners.

Guilherme Madruga clinched the Puskás Award at the FIFA ceremony, securing recognition for his extraordinary goal. The breathtaking skill and creativity displayed by Madruga in scoring this goal captured the hearts of football fans worldwide.

FIFA Men’s World XI

The FIFA Men’s World XI Players are:

• Lionel Messi
•  Earling Haaland
•  Kylian Mbappe
•  Vinicius JR
•  Kevin DE Bruyne
•  De silva
•  Joe Bellihgham
•  Stones
•  Dias
•  Walker
•  Courtois

FIFA Women’s World XI 

The FIFA Men’s World XI Players are:

• Lauren James
•  Sam Kerr
•  Alex Morgan
•  Alessia Russo
•  Aitana Bonmati
•  Ella Toone
•  Keira Walsh
•  Lucy Bronze
•  Olga Carmona
•  Alex Greenwood

FIFA Fair Play Award

The FIFA Fair Play award was bestowed upon the Brazil men’s national team for their impactful stance against racism. During a friendly match against Guinea in June 2023, A Seleção displayed a powerful act of solidarity by exchanging their usual yellow jerseys for an all-black kit.

This gesture was a powerful response to the appalling racist abuse endured by star forward Vinicius Junior while playing for Real Madrid.

In a historic moment, players from Brazil and Guinea stood united behind a banner declaring ‘com Racismo nao tem jogo,’ translating to ‘with racism, there is no game.’ Before kick-off, both teams took a knee, emphasizing their strong stand against racism.

This groundbreaking event marked the first occasion in history that the five-time world champions, Brazil, wore a black strip. Vinicius and his teammates wore this special kit during the first half of the match in Barcelona, ultimately securing a 4-1 victory.

FIFA Fan Award

The photograph capturing a father and his infant son at the match quickly went viral, resonating deeply with the footballing community. The touching image struck a chord, symbolizing the shared passion for the sport being passed down through generations and showcasing the broader impact of football in fostering connections and meaningful moments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the FIFA Best Players Awards 2024 are poised to be a spectacle of unparalleled excitement and celebration. As the football world unites to honor its brightest stars, the impact of these awards extends far beyond individual accolades. It’s a celebration of the sport, a nod to its rich history, and a glimpse into the promising future. Stay tuned for a night of football enchantment that promises to etch itself into the annals of the sport’s illustrious history.

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