Robert Lewandowski wins FIFA Best award
The seventh annual Fifa Best Awards takes place this evening with a host of football’s biggest stars, including the likes of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, nominated for the top prizes. Three finalists in each category have been confirmed ahead of the ceremony in Paris.
France’s Karim Benzema, along with Messi and Mbappe has been nominated for the Best Fifa Men’s Player award whilst England’s Beth Mead is competing against the USA’s Alex Morgan and 2021 winner Alexia Putellas for the Fifa Best Women’s Player award. Elsewhere, England boss Sarina Wiegman is nominated for Fifa Best Women’s Coach and the Puskas Award will be handed out to the male or female judged to have scored the “most beautiful” goal of the calendar year.
This year saw major tournaments in both men’s and women’s football meaning men’s World Cup winners Argentina and England’s Euro 2022-winning Lionesses are both in line for a trophy-laden night. The great and the good will all be gathered in Paris for a ceremony that should celebrate a fantastic year of football.
Follow along with out live blog as the Fifa Best award winners are announced:
Fifa Best Awards
Women’s World XI: Christiane Endler; Lucy Bronze, Maria Leon, Leah Williamson, Wendie Renard; Alexia Putellas, Keira Walsh, Lena Oberdorf; Alex Morgan, Sam Kerr, Beth Mead
Michael Jones27 February 2023 21:13
Fifa Best Awards
Next up is the Fifa Fifpro Women’s World XI. A Reminder that this one is voted for by players around the world. The best XI players in the World are…
Michael Jones27 February 2023 21:12
Fifa Best Awards
The Fifa Fan Award is given to the Argentina Fans for their support during the World Cup!
They were great in all honesty but Abdullah Al Salmi hiked 1600km from Jeddah to Qatar to watch the tournament. Bit of a shock that one.
Michael Jones27 February 2023 21:08
Fifa Best Awards
“For the award, it is a huge honour for me, I would like to say thank you,” said Lochoshvili after receiving his award.
“I am really happy for the award but I am more happy that we saved Georg’s life and the most important thing in football is fair play and respect.”
Michael Jones27 February 2023 21:04
Fifa Best Awards
Luka Lochoshvili wins the Fifa Fair Play Award!
Michael Jones27 February 2023 21:02
Fifa Best Awards
“The most beautiful thing is making your country happy, your people happy,” says Lionel Scaloni in his speech after winning the Best Men’s Coach Award.
(REUTERS)
Michael Jones27 February 2023 20:57
Fifa Best Awards
Sarina Wiegman is the second member of the Lionesses’ winning Euro 2022 to collect an award tonight. Things are looking good for Beth Mead’s chances of taking home the Best Women’s Player Award.
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Michael Jones27 February 2023 20:56
Fifa Best Awards
Sarina Wiegman spoke about developing and improving women’s football during her acceptance speech saying:
“From when I could walk I have loved football. It’s just incredible to be right here and to celebrate women’s football. Little girls have their idols and inspirations. So many people across the world have worked so hard to get the game where it is right now.
“As for last summer, the stadiums were full. Wembley was full and there were so many families in the stadiums celebrating football. Behind me is a big team. Without great players you are nowhere.
“Last but not least, my family have seen me more on TV than at home. Thank you for supporting me.”
Michael Jones27 February 2023 20:53
Fifa Best Awards
Lionel Scaloni wins the Men’s Best Coach Award!
A triumphant World Cup campaign usually brings with it individual awards and the 44-year-old Scaloni is a worthy winner.
He thanks the 26 players who took Argentina to victory on the World’s biggest stage in Qatar.
Michael Jones27 February 2023 20:52
Fifa Best Awards
The next award is the Best Men’s Coach.
Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Lionel Scaloni are the three nominees.
This one seems like a toss up between Ancelotti, who won La Liga and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and Scaloni, who led Argentina to victory at the World Cup.
Michael Jones27 February 2023 20:49
