After headlining the FIFA World Cup 2022 final in Qatar, Paris Saint Germain (PSG) superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have been nominated for the FIFA Best Men’s Player Award 2022. The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has shortlisted the candidates for the upcoming edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards™ 2022 on Thursday. Joining Argentina captain Messi in the 14-member list, Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez is the only second player from La Albiceleste, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Best FIFA Men’s Player award.
Messi, who propelled Argentina to its third FIFA World Cup title in Qatar last year, has emerged as the leading candidate to lift the famous trophy this season. Messi last won the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in 2019. Besides Argentina captain Messi, French forward Mbappe and Brazil’s Neymar are among the favourites in the men’s category. Ballon D’or holder Karim Benzema is also shortlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski, Mohamed Salah, and Luka Modric.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo failed to receive a nod on FIFA’s Best Men’s Player shortlist.
Argentina’s FIFA World Cup-winning head coach Lionel Scaloni, France boss Didier Deschamps and Morocco manager Walid Regragui are shortlisted for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach alongside Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. Liverpool’s Alisson Becker, Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois and Aston Villa superstopper Emiliano Martinez are leading candidates for The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award. FIFA has also announced an 11-player shortlist for this year’s Puskas Award. Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas is featured among 14 nominees for the Best FIFA Women’s Player title.
The nominees for Best FIFA Men’s Player award:
Julián Álvarez (Argentina / River Plate / Manchester City FC)
Jude Bellingham (England / BV Borussia 09 Dortmund)
Karim Benzema (France / Real Madrid CF)
