Despite facing tough competition, including Erling Haaland, Messi’s selection stirred debate, marking an otherwise glorious night for Manchester City.
Messi’s award raised eyebrows
The award, covering the period from Messi’s World Cup triumph with Argentina in December 2022 to August 2023, raised eyebrows due to the 36-year-old’s subdued end at Paris Saint-Germain and subsequent move to MLS side Inter Miami in June.
However, Messi made a quick impact in the United States, helping Inter Miami secure their first trophy by winning the Leagues Cup in August.
Haaland, the favorite, had a remarkable debut season with Manchester City, scoring 52 goals as the English side clinched a treble of Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup titles.
‘More first-choice nominations’
Despite Haaland’s outstanding performance, Messi secured the victory based on more first-choice nominations in a scoring system derived from votes by national team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans. Kylian Mbappe, Messi’s former club teammate, secured the third spot.
Interestingly, all three men’s finalists were absent from the ceremony, with Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry, co-hosting the event, picking up the award on Messi’s behalf.
Bonmati sweeps individual awards
In the women’s category, Aitana Bonmati‘s recognition as the best player was no surprise, completing a clean sweep of individual awards after contributing to Spain’s World Cup victory and Barcelona’s Champions League success in 2023.
The 25-year-old, who also won the Ballon d’Or, Golden Ball for the World Cup’s best player, and UEFA’s player of the year, expressed pride in being part of a transformative generation of women in football.
Other winners
- Pep Guardiola, mastermind behind Manchester City’s historic Champions League success, was named the best coach.
- Man City’s dominance was further evident as five of their players—Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne—made it to the team of the year. Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Messi, and Mbappe completed the lineup.
- City’s Ederson won men’s goalkeeper of the year, while England and Manchester United’s Mary Earps received the women’s award.
- England’s national team boss Sarina Wiegman secured the women’s coach of the year after leading the Lionesses to the World Cup final.
- The fair play award went to the Brazilian men’s team for their solidarity in donning an all-black shirt in support of forward Vinicius, who faced racist abuse while playing for Madrid.
- The Puskas award for the best goal was claimed by Guilherme Madruga of Botafogo for his spectacular overhead kick.
(With inputs from AFP)