The best FIFA men's player 2024: nominees & their credentials

The Best FIFA Men's Player award 2024 edition approaches, and the football community waits to see who will claim the decorated title. Here, we analyse the merits of an impressive lineup of nominees. This year's shortlist showcases a blend of established superstars and emerging talents.

The Prestigious Eleven: A Look at the Nominees

FIFA has officially announced the eleven nominees for The Best FIFA Men's Player 2024

1. Dani Carvajal (Spain) - Real Madrid
2. Erling Haaland (Norway) - Manchester City
3. Federico Valverde (Uruguay) - Real Madrid
4. Florian Wirtz (Germany) - Bayer Leverkusen
5. Jude Bellingham (England) - Real Madrid
6. Kylian Mbappé (France) - Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
7. Lamine Yamal (Spain) - Barcelona
8. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - Inter Miami
9. Rodri (Spain) - Manchester City
10. Toni Kroos (Germany) - Real Madrid (retired)
11. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) - Real Madrid

The Evolution of FIFA's Premier Individual Award

The Best FIFA Men's Player award, established in 2016, has quickly become one of the most coveted honors in football. It emerged following the end of FIFA's partnership with France Football for the Ballon d'Or, continuing the legacy of the FIFA World Player of the Year award (1991-2009).

The award's significance lies in its comprehensive evaluation of players' performances over the calendar year, considering both on-field excellence and off-field conduct. It stands as a testament to individual brilliance in a team sport, recognizing those who have made extraordinary contributions to football.

Selection Criteria and Voting Process: A Global Perspective

The selection process for The Best FIFA Men's Player award is designed to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of the candidates' achievements. While specific details for the 2024 award are not provided, the process typically involves multiple stages and stakeholders:

1. Initial Nomination: A panel of football experts, including former players, coaches, and journalists, creates a shortlist based on performances over the past year.
2. Voting: The final decision involves four key groups, each contributing 25% to the overall vote

• National team coaches
• National team captains
• A select group of football journalists
• Fans from around the world through an online voting system

Spotlight on the Nominees

While detailed information on each nominee's specific achievements in the past year is not provided, we can infer that each has made significant contributions to warrant their nomination. Here's a brief overview of some standout candidates:

• Erling Haaland: The Norwegian striker has been in phenomenal form for Manchester City, likely impressing with his goal-scoring prowess and overall impact.
• Kylian Mbappé: His performances for both PSG and potentially Real Madrid have kept him at the forefront of world football.
• Lionel Messi: The Argentine maestro, now with Inter Miami, continues to dazzle and has already won this award three times (2019, 2022, 2023).
• Jude Bellingham: The young English midfielder's move to Real Madrid and subsequent performances have catapulted him into the global spotlight.
• Rodri: Manchester City's midfield lynchpin has been crucial to their success, showcasing the importance of defensive midfielders in modern football, which resulted in the player's triumph of winning the Ballon d'Or.

Notable Omissions and Emerging Talents

As with any prestigious award, there are always discussions about potential snubs or surprising inclusions. The absence of certain high-profile players could be attributed to various factors, including:

1. Fierce Competition: With limited nomination slots, some top performers inevitably miss out due to the sheer number of talented players.
2. Injuries and Inconsistency: Players who have suffered from injuries or had inconsistent performances throughout the year might be overlooked.
3. Emerging Talents: The inclusion of young players like Lamine Yamal and Florian Wirtz highlights FIFA's recognition of emerging talents, potentially at the expense of more established names.

The Significance of the Award

Winning The Best FIFA Men's Player award can significantly boost a player's reputation and legacy. It not only acknowledges their on-field performances but also their overall impact on the sport. Previous winners like Cristiano Ronaldo (2016, 2017) and Robert Lewandowski (2020, 2021) have seen their global profiles elevated even further after receiving this honor.

Looking Ahead

As the football world eagerly awaits the announcement of the winner, the nominations themselves serve as a testament to the high level of talent currently in the game. Each nominee represents a different facet of football excellence, from goal-scoring prowess to midfield mastery and defensive solidity.

The winner of The Best FIFA Men's Player 2024 will be revealed at the prestigious The Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, where they will join an elite group of players recognized for their exceptional contributions to the beautiful game.

In conclusion, The Best FIFA Men's Player award continues to be a highlight of the football calendar, shining a spotlight on the extraordinary talents that captivate millions of fans worldwide.