The eighth edition of the The Best FIFA Football Awards will take place on Monday, as some of the world’s greatest stars gather in London for an evening to recognise the best achievements of the past year.
Who is nominated for an award?
There are six main categories at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023, in addition to a number of fan awards and the Púskas Award, which is awarded to the scorer of the best goal.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Men’s Player
Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé
Awarded to the best overall male player between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Men’s Player award will be received by either Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappé.
Should Messi receive the award on Monday, it will be the third time in eight years that he has been recognised by FIFA as The Best Men’s Player. For Haaland and Mbappé, however, it would be their first time lifting the silverware. The Norwegian is likely to be the favourite after an impeccable club season with Manchester City.
FromTheSpot predicts that Erling Haaland will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Women’s Player
Linda Caicedo, Jenni Hermoso, Aitana Bonmatí
Awarded to the best overall female player between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Women’s Player award will be received by either Linda Caicedo, Jenni Hermoso or Aitana Bonmatí.
None of the finalists have ever lifted this award before, and it is likely that it will be heading to either Jenni Hermoso or Aitana Bonmatí after they secured victory at the FIFA Women’s World Cup with Spain. Given her additional European success with Barcelona, Bonmatí can be regarded as a comfortable favourite for this award.
FromTheSpot predicts that Aitana Bonmatí will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Men’s Coach
Pep Guardiola, Simone Inzaghi, Luciano Spalletti
Awarded to the best overall men’s coach between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Men’s Coach award will be received by either Pep Guardiola, Simone Inzaghi or Luciano Spalletti.
None of the finalists have ever lifted this award before, but it is likely to be heading to Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola. After a flawless 2022/23 season in which his side completed a stunning treble, the Spaniard deserves the plaudits for yet another fine campaign in the blue half of Manchester.
FromTheSpot predicts that Pep Guardiola will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Women’s Coach
Emma Hayes, Sarina Wiegman, Jonatan Giráldez
Awarded to the best overall women’s coach between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Women’s Coach award will be received by either Emma Hayes, Sarina Wiegman or Jonatan Giráldez.
Sarina Wiegman is already a three-time recipient of this award, having been recognised as The Best Women’s Coach in 2017, 2020 and 2022. Emma Hayes lifted the title in 2021, but it is likely to be heading to a new home this year after Jonatan Giráldez masterminded yet another incredible campaign with Barcelona Femení.
FromTheSpot predicts that Jonatan Giráldez will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Men’s Goalkeeper
Ederson, Yassine Bounou, Thibaut Courtois
Awarded to the best overall men’s goalkeeper between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Men’s Goalkeeper award will be received by either Ederson, Yassine Bounou or Thibaut Courtois.
Thibaut Courtois won this award in 2018, and could be considered one of the favourites to lift it again on Monday after a fine season with Real Madrid. Having won a superb treble with Manchester City, Ederson may dive in to grasp it – while Yassine Bounou is expected to fall short.
FromTheSpot predicts that Ederson will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Mackenzie Arnold, Catalina Coll, Mary Earps
Awarded to the best overall women’s goalkeeper between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023, The Best Women’s Goalkeeper award will be received by either Mackenzie Arnold, Catalina Coll or Mary Earps.
This award has only been handed out since 2019, but it has seen a different winner each year so far. Despite incredible performances from both Mackenzie Arnold and Catalina Coll, that record looks set to change on Monday though, with Mary Earps seemingly the favourite to retain the title after an impressive year with England and Manchester United.
FromTheSpot predicts that Mary Earps will win this award.
Embed from Getty ImagesHow can I watch the awards ceremony?
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 are scheduled to take place on Monday, 15 January 2024. We expect the ceremony to get underway at around 19:30 UK time.
Fans will be able to tune in live on FIFA’s official website, or via YouTube. Alternatively, follow our live coverage of the awards ceremony on fromthespot.co.uk, or join us on our X account for live text updates throughout the evening.
We’ll keep you updated with the award winners as they’re announced, before bringing you their thoughts from the mixed zone.
