The 2024 edition of FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player of the Year award has revealed its 11-man shortlist, featuring some of the most dominant figureheads in global football. Reigning champion Lionel Messi, attempting to win the title for the third consecutive year, is vying for the highest honor alongside former Real Madrid star Toni Kroos, who has been nominated for the first time this year. Messi’s extraordinary year has seen him help Inter Miami win the Supporters’ Shield in record-breaking fashion, scoring 21 MLS goals and providing 11 assists in just 22 appearances. His exceptional performances with the national team have also contributed to Argentina’s success, solidifying his position as a strong contender for the award.
Kroos, who has recently announced his retirement from professional football, has still made a compelling case for himself with his impressive performances for Real Madrid and the German national team. He played a key role in helping his club win the UEFA Champions League and LaLiga in his final season, and his contributions to Germany’s Euro 2024 campaign have not gone unnoticed. The 11-man shortlist is populated with talented players, including Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, and his Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr. Manchester United’s Erling Haaland, who claimed his second successive Premier League Golden Boot, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who was instrumental in his team’s historic season, are also in the running.
Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who enjoyed a fantastic season for club and country, rounds out the list of nominees. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in January 2025, and for the first time, fans will have the opportunity to vote, with their votes accounting for 25% of the total votes. The remaining 75% will come from national team coaches, captains, and journalists. Inter Miami is eager to retain the services of Messi and is set to offer him a contract extension to keep him at the club until after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 37-year-old is currently set to run out of contract at the end of the 2025 MLS season, but the club wants to keep him on board. Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami’s success, helping the team win two titles in his 16 months with the club. The question on everyone’s mind is, who will emerge victorious in the prestigious award? Will it be Messi, looking to make it three in a row, or will one of the other nominees steal the show? Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain – the next best thing in football will be crowned soon.
The announcement of the nominees has sparked intense debate and speculation among fans and pundits alike. Some believe Messi’s incredible form and achievements make him the obvious favorite, while others argue that Kroos’s impressive performances and contributions to his club and country’s success should not be overlooked. The likes of Rodri, Haaland, and Wirtz have also been tipped to win, while Yamal’s incredible rise to stardom has earned him a special mention.
As the voting process unfolds, one thing is certain – only one player will emerge with the coveted award. The winner will Join an elite group of footballers who have received this accolade, and will be hailed as one of the best players in the world. The anticipation is palpable, and only time will tell who will be crowned the best men’s player of the year.
