Who are the three finalists for the 2023 FIFA Puskás Award?

Unveiled in 2017 to breathe new life into the FIFA World Player Gala, originally established by soccer’s governing body as a rival to the Ballon d’Or post the 1990 World Cup but halted in 2009, the upcoming 2024 ceremony marks the eighth rendition of The Best FIFA Football Awards. This prestigious event will honour renowned players, both veterans and emerging talents, for their outstanding performances throughout the calendar year of 2023. Notably, this differs from the Ballon d’Or, which assesses player achievements within the confines of the August to May period, corresponding to the European winter season.

As well as top players and coaches, there is also an award for the best goal over the period in question. The Puskás Award - named after that genius with the ball Hungary’s Ferenc Puskás - is quite the accolade, and it often involves less household names.

When will The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 take place?

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 will take place on 15 January 2024, in London, England. As you’ve come to expect, we at AS USA will be bringing you the ceremony live, with all the usual commentary and insight.

Nominees for The FIFA Puskás Award:

Let’s take a look a the three players shortlisted for the best goal.

Now, what about the rest of the awards...

Nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023

The Best FIFA Men’s Player:

Three leading strikers are in contention for the award with current holder Lionel Messi still turning heads despite a move to MLS side Inter Miami. A treble for Manchester City sees Erling Haaland as leading favourite to scoop the award with Mbappe set to provide stern opposition.

The Best FIFA Women’s Player:

Following their win at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia-New Zealand, Spain have two nominations on the short-list in the shape of Aitana Bonmati and Jenni Hermoso. The duo are joined by Colombian talent Linda Caicedo who completes the three-player short-list.

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach:

Pep Guardiola is firmly tipped to take the prize for Men’s coach after he oversaw an historic treble for his Manchester City side as they scooped the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. Serie A duo Inzaghi and Spalletti complete the short-list.

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The Best FIFA Women’s Coach:

The award for best Women’s coach will be interesting with all three shortlisted names worthy of the award. Giraldez oversaw FC Barcelona’s Champions League and is poised to move to the NWSL. Wiegman oversaw England’s journey to the 2023 World Cup final, falling short to Spain at the final hurdle and Hayes secured another domestic league win for Chelsea and sealed a move Stateside as new USWNT head coach.

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The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper:

Despite being out of action this season, Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois has been outstanding between the sticks for Los Blancos as has been Bounou for Morocco, Sevilla and now Al Hilal but the favourite surely has to be Ederson for his role in securing City’s treble.

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The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper:

Again, another tough one to call, but possibly the World Cup win and Champions League triumph with FC Barcelona Femeni will be key factors in seeing Coll edge out both Earps and Arnold.

How were the nominees for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 selected?

Nominees for The Best players’, goalkeepers’ and coaches’ awards were chosen by two expert panels – one of men’s soccer and another for women’s soccer.

Who votes in The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023?

Media representatives, national team coaches, national team captains and the general public can all vote in each of the The Best FIFA Football Awards categories.

Join us at AS USA for live coverage of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2023.