PARIS: Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are among the contenders for FIFA’s The Best award for last year, which was revealed on Thursday by the international football’s governing body.
Messi, who has already won the award, lead Argentina to victory in Qatar, a career-defining victory that has increased his prospects of earning an eighth Ballon d’Or but may also make him a favourite for this award. In addition to Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final, Neymar and Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain have been nominated.
There are other awards for the best male and female coach, the top goalkeeper, and the Puskas Award for the greatest 2022 goal. A public poll will be held until February 3 to choose the three finalists in each category.
A jury including of national team coaches and captains, as well as journalists and fans, selects the winner.