Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are the three finalists in contention to be named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2023.
The superstars were picked from an initial 12-player shortlist ahead of the FIFA Best Awards ceremony in London on January 15, 2024.
The award covers the period between 19 December 2022 and 20 August 2023, with Messi nominated again after winning the award in 2022.
Messi helped Paris Saint-Germain to a Ligue 1 title this year before he joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer (MLS), securing a Leagues Cup after getting to America.
He has also surpassed 100 international goals.
Mbappe also remains in contention after been named Ligue 1 Player of the Season, finishing as the highest goal scorer as the French capital club won another domestic trophy.
Haaland made the shortlist after having a remarkable first season at Manchester City by winning a treble.
The Norwegian striker netted 28 times for the club in 33 matches during the period under review to top the charts in both the Champions League and Premier League.
The three men’s finalists were chosen by an international jury comprising men’s national team coaches, men’s national team captains, football journalists, and fans that voted on FIFA’s official website, with each voter placing their choices from the 12-strong original shortlist first, second and third.
