The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024: A Battle of Greatness and Glory

When it comes to football’s most prestigious individual accolade, numbers matter as much as narratives. The Best FIFA Men’s Player award for 2024 doesn’t just celebrate skill or stardom—it’s a recognition of game-changing moments, monumental achievements, and statistical dominance across the most competitive arenas in football. This year’s nominees have shattered records, delivered match-winning performances, and carried their teams to greatness.

Football is a symphony of artistry, passion, and raw talent. Every year, the world’s greatest players take the stage, delivering moments that transcend the game itself. From jaw-dropping goals to championship-defining performances, these athletes remind us why football is more than a sport—it’s a global phenomenon. The Best FIFA Men’s Player award celebrates those who not only excel but elevate the game to extraordinary heights.

• Voting is now open for the ninth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards™
• Fans can vote for The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11 for first time
• New FIFA Marta Award added to celebrate the best goal in women’s football

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• Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
• Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
• Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
• Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
• Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
• Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
• Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
• Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
• Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
• Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
• Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid

As the countdown to the 2024 winner begins, the competition is fierce. This year’s nominees aren’t just contenders—they are architects of history, players whose stats, triumphs, and game-changing moments have defined the season. The stage is set, the stakes are high, and the footballing world awaits its next crowned king.

Jude Bellingham: The Engine Behind Madrid’s Success

Jude Bellingham’s transition to Real Madrid wasn’t just a transfer—it was the beginning of a revolution. In his debut season at the Bernabéu, the English midfielder has been nothing short of sensational. With 13 goals and 4 assists in his first 13 games for Madrid, Bellingham became the fastest player in the club’s history to reach double-digit goals in a debut season. His performances in La Liga have been electric, leading Madrid to the top of the table with his knack for late-game heroics.

One defining moment came in the season’s first El Clásico, where Bellingham scored a thunderous long-range equalizer before sealing the game with a stoppage-time winner. His versatility has also been key, as he transitions seamlessly between orchestrating the midfield and operating as a lethal second striker. In the Champions League, his brace against Napoli in a thrilling 3-2 victory not only secured Madrid’s top spot in the group stage but also solidified his reputation as a player for the biggest moments.

Key Stats:

• Goals in 2023-24 (Club and Country): 17
• El Clásico Decider: 2 goals, including a 92nd-minute winner
• La Liga Impact: Madrid’s top scorer by October

“Jude has everything—strength, vision, and the mentality of a champion. He’s the future of football,” said Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid’s legendary manager, after Bellingham’s El Clásico heroics.

Lionel Messi: Masterclass in a New Arena

Even after decades of dominance, Lionel Messi continues to evolve and astound. His move to Inter Miami was met with skepticism, yet Messi quickly silenced doubters by transforming a struggling MLS team into a powerhouse. Scoring 10 goals and providing 4 assists in just 7 matches, Messi’s brilliance led Miami to their first-ever Leagues Cup victory. His decisive performances included a sublime free-kick against Cruz Azul in his debut, setting the tone for a season of dominance.

The numbers tell one story, but Messi’s impact transcends statistics. Miami saw a 70% increase in global viewership during his matches, and stadiums filled to capacity for a glimpse of his magic. On the international stage, he continued to shine, netting a hat-trick against Bolivia in the World Cup qualifiers. Whether it’s crafting pinpoint passes or scoring trademark free-kicks, Messi remains football’s ultimate playmaker. As he said in a recent interview, “I’ve always loved challenges. This is just another step in my journey.”

Key Stats:

• Leagues Cup Impact: 10 goals in 7 games, 1 Golden Boot
• International Performance: 7 goals in 2024
• Free-Kick Goals: 4 iconic strikes, including two in finals

Erling Haaland: Record-Breaker Extraordinaire

Few players in football history have dominated the way Erling Haaland did in the 2023-24 season. Leading Manchester City to an unprecedented treble—Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League—Haaland was the tip of the spear for Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side. His 52 goals in all competitions made him the highest-scoring player in a single European season.

The Champions League became Haaland’s playground, with a jaw-dropping 5-goal performance against RB Leipzig in the Round of 16. In the Premier League, his tally of 36 goals broke the long-standing single-season record, and his ability to deliver in crucial matches, such as the FA Cup final against Manchester United, where he scored a decisive penalty, set him apart. Haaland’s physicality, combined with his predatory instinct, makes him football’s most feared striker.

Key Stats:

• Total Goals in 2023-24: 52
• Premier League Golden Boot: 36 goals
• Champions League Impact: 12 goals in 10 games

Vinícius Jr.: Madrid’s Maverick

Vinícius Jr. isn’t just a player—he’s a phenomenon. With 23 goals and 17 assists across all competitions for Real Madrid, the Brazilian winger has become the driving force behind one of Europe’s most formidable attacks. His ability to glide past defenders, create chances, and deliver decisive moments has made him indispensable to Madrid’s success.

One of Vinícius’s standout performances came in the Champions League quarterfinals against Chelsea. With 1 goal and 2 assists in a 4-0 aggregate win, he played a pivotal role in dismantling the Premier League side. His knack for producing when it matters most continued in La Liga, where his injury-time equalizer against Atlético Madrid secured a crucial point in a heated derby. Despite facing racial abuse and adversity, Vinícius’s performances have been a masterclass in resilience and brilliance.

Key Stats:

• Goal Contributions (Club and Country): 40
• Key Matches: 1 goal, 2 assists in UCL quarterfinals
• Dribbles Completed: Highest in Europe’s top five leagues

“For me, football is joy,” he said recently. “And I’ll keep fighting to make sure everyone can enjoy it without fear.”

Kylian Mbappé: France’s Relentless Leader

When it comes to big-game players, Kylian Mbappé stands in a league of his own. The French superstar’s 41 goals in the 2023-24 season included some of the most electrifying moments in football. Leading Paris Saint-Germain to another Ligue 1 title, Mbappé was the heartbeat of the team, but his performances in the Euros were even more impactful.

With 6 goals and 3 assists in the tournament, Mbappé carried France to the Euro 2024 final. His hat-trick against Denmark in the group stage showcased his ability to dominate at the highest level, while his semi-final goal against Italy underlined his knack for clutch performances. As captain of the French national team, Mbappé has embraced the responsibility of leadership, combining technical brilliance with a relentless drive to win.

Key Stats:

• Goals in 2023-24: 41
• Euro 2024 Impact: 6 goals, 3 assists
• Hat-Tricks in 2024: 2, including one in the Euros

Rodri: The Unsung Hero of the Treble

Amid the star power of Manchester City’s treble-winning side, Rodri was the unsung hero. The Spanish midfielder’s tactical intelligence and work rate provided the foundation for City’s success. His crowning moment came in the Champions League final, where his composed finish secured a 1-0 victory over Inter Milan, delivering City their first European title.

Rodri’s ability to dictate the tempo of matches, break up opposition play, and contribute in attack has made him one of the most complete midfielders in the world. His consistency was unmatched, playing over 50 games in a season where he rarely put a foot wrong. In the UEFA Nations League, he carried Spain to victory, earning the tournament’s Player of the Match award in the final against Croatia.

Key Stats:

• Goals in 2023-24: 7 crucial strikes
• Pass Completion Rate: 92% in the Premier League
• Champions League Final: Winning goal

Crowning Football’s Immortals: Who Will Define 2024?

As the curtain falls on another electrifying season, one question remains: who will take their place among football’s immortals? The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024 isn’t just about numbers or trophies—it’s about moments that stopped time, goals that sparked wild celebrations, and performances that inspired millions.

Whether it’s Haaland’s unrelenting dominance, Messi’s timeless artistry, or Bellingham’s meteoric rise, each nominee has shaped the narrative of football in their own way. Their stories remind us why we fall in love with this game—its ability to inspire, unite, and create memories that last a lifetime.

In a world divided by boundaries, football remains a universal language, and these players are its greatest poets. As the award ceremony approaches, one thing is certain: this year’s winner won’t just lift a trophy—they’ll carry the dreams, hopes, and admiration of millions across the globe. This is not just about being the best; it’s about being unforgettable.

The winner of the FIFA Fan Award will be chosen entirely by fans, while the recipient of the FIFA Fair Play Award will be decided by an expert panel. Voting for the new FIFA Marta Award and the FIFA Puskás Award will be split equally between fans and a panel of FIFA Legends.

The biggest change in terms of voting for this year’s edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards is that fans will have their say in selecting The Best FIFA Men’s 11 and The Best FIFA Women’s 11. They will be able to choose from a list of 77 nominated players – 22 defenders, midfielders and forwards apiece, plus 11 goalkeepers – slotting them into one of several preset tactical formations to build their team. Votes will be weighted equally between fans and an expert panel.

The FIFA Puskás Award has been redefined as being bestowed on the scorer of the best goal in men’s football regardless of championship or nationality. To honour the best goal scored in women’s football in any league around the world, the FIFA Marta Award, named after the Brazilian legend, will be presented for the very first time.

Voting is open on FIFA.com until 23:59 CET on Tuesday, 10 December 2024. The rules of allocation for all awards are available at the FIFA Digital Hub.

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