The 2024 FIFA The Best nominees have been named by the football governing body ahead of the ceremony, which is slated for January 2025.
The award is handed out to recognize the remarkable performances put up by players across the year.
The headline award, which is the Men’s Player of the Year, has got football fanatics talking, with the center theme being the inclusion of players who many feel were undeserving.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, and Kylian Mbappe lead the way, with Manchester City duo Rodri and Erling Haaland included. Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Toni Kroos (retired), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen) are all vying to succeed Messi as the 2024 FIFA Men’s Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, in the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Manchester City’s Ederson will be hoping to defend his crown but faces competition from David Raya (Arsenal), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Unai Simon (Athletic Bilbao), Mike Maignan (AC Milan), Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid), and Donnarumma (Paris Saint Germain).
Five managers have also been shortlisted for the Men’s Coach of the Year gong, including Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen), Ancelotti (Real Madrid), Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Luis Dela Fuente (Spain), and Scaloni (Argentina).
A host of stars will also be vying for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 Attacker of the Year, with established names such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi leading the charge.
The Best FIFA Men’s 11 Midfielder of the Year nomination is also stacked, with Toni Kroos, Rodri, and Valverde at the fore.
Arsenal’s William Saliba, Manchester City’s Ruben Dias, and Carvajal are among the star-studded line-up for The Best 11 Defender of the Year.
Ghana’s Mohammed Kudus, Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, and Federico Di Marco (Inter Milan) are also top picks to nick the prestigious Puskas award.
Voting is officially done by fans, opened from now, and ends on December 10, 2024.
