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Lionel Messi beats Erling Haaland with Best FIFA Men's player of 2023 award
Aitana Bonmati, the talented Spanish midfielder, earned The Best FIFA Women's Player award
Lionel Messi clinched The Best FIFA Men's Player for 2023, beating out the favorite, Erling Haaland.
The award, spanning from December 2022 to August 2023, acknowledged Messi's impactful contributions, notably leading Argentina to World Cup glory.
Despite a quieter stint at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's significant role with MLS side Inter Miami, securing the Leagues Cup in August, played a crucial part in his unexpected win.
Pep Guardiola rightfully claimed the Best Coach title for steering Manchester City to a historic Champions League victory.
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However, Haaland, instrumental in Manchester City's treble, and five teammates secured spots in the FIFA Team of the Year. Notably, Messi and Haaland were not present at the ceremony.
Aitana Bonmati wins Best FIFA Women's Player Award:
Aitana Bonmati, the talented Spanish midfielder, earned The Best FIFA Women's Player award, capping off an outstanding year marked by Spain's World Cup triumph and Barcelona's Champions League success.
Bonmati, who also received the Ballon d'Or, Golden Ball, and UEFA's Player of the Year, expressed her pride in being part of a transformative generation of women in sports.
She said, "A couple of weeks ago when 2023 came to an end I was nostalgic because 2023 was an exceptional and unique year I will remember for the rest of my life."
"I'm proud of being part of a powerful generation of women who are changing the rules of the game and the world," she further added.
Brazil's Men's Team Receives Fair Play Award:
Brazil's men's team received the Fair Play Award for their powerful gesture, donning all-black shirts in solidarity with Vinicius, who faced racial abuse while playing for Real Madrid.
