The final three contenders for The Best FIFA Men’s Player have been revealed. Following voting – split evenly between fans, journalists, national team coaches and national team captains – the original shortlist of ten selected by a panel of FIFA legends has been slimmed down to just three.
Former Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is the only familiar face among the 3 nominees. The winner of the Best FIFA Men’s Player award in both 2016 and 2017, and also a five-time FIFA world player of the year (Ballon d’or) winner, Ronaldo’s 9th and final season with Real Madrid was certainly one to remember. Scoring 44 times in all competitions and 15 times in the champions league, making him the top scorer for the third season in a row. Real had won the FIFA club world cup in UAE mid-season where he netted twice. However, the biggest achievement for Real and for Ronaldo last season was the third consecutive champions league glory in Kiev where Real triumphed over Liverpool 3-1. At the veteran age of 33, the Portuguese international had ended his glorious career in Madrid after a shocking transfer to Italian giants Juventus for 100 million euros this summer.
After a breath-taking World Cup campaign in Russia this summer and also a excellent season with Real Madrid, 33 year old playmaker Luka Modric has made his first ever appearance in the final three nominees of The Best FIFA Men’s Player award.The golden boot winner of the 21st edition of the FIFA World Cup, which was held in Russia, Modric captained Croatia to their first ever World Cup final. Modric, who has spent six successful seasons with Spanish club Real Madrid, has won it all at club level. Four champions league titles, three UEFA super cups, three FIFA Club World cups and the La-Liga title as well. Modric was one of the three key midfield players for Zinedine Zidane last season when they won the champions league. He is deemed as a strong contender for this year’s Best FIFA Men’s Player award, especially after winning the UEFA Player of The Year (POY).
The third and final and contender for the award is the Egyptian right-winger Mohamed Salah. After a fantastic maiden season with premier league side Liverpool, scoring 44 goals in all competitions out of which 32 came in the premier league, making him the top scorer and setting a new record by becoming the first ever premier league debutant to win the PFA player of the year award. Salah’s European campaign was just as exceptional, guiding Liverpool to the Champions league finals for the first time in a decade and becoming the joint second highest goal scorer in the Champions league. Salah took the Egyptian national side to the World cup in Russia after an impressive qualifying campaign. Salah was also named the CAF African player of the year for taking Egypt to the finals of the African cup of Nations. The 26-year old’s presence in the top three nominees came as a shock to numerous fans and critics all over the world due to lack of major silverware. Nevertheless, his individual stats are certainly ones to be reckoned
Journalists and supporters have questioned this nomination ever since its announcement, with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Kylian Mbappe and Antoine Griezmann unable to make it to the top three despite their brilliant seasons with their respected clubs and countries. However, the absence of FC Barcelona star Lionel Messi is by far the most unanticipated. Messi, a five time FIFA world player of the year, had a very good season with the Spanish giants last year, netting 40 times in all competitions and paving the way for Barcelona to a successful domestic double by winning both La Liga and Copa Del Rey. The Argentine ended the season as the top goal scorer, assist provider, man with the most key passes and successful dribbles in LaLiga. His exclusion in the top three nominees is most certainly debateable.
With less than 5 days for the big event in London, all three contenders seem to have a decent chance to win the prize. However, from a statistical standpoint, Croatia and Real Madrid’s Luka Modric seems to have the slight edge over the others, bagging major club silverware, international feats and also individual glory.
The opinion may vary from person to person. Nonetheless, only one of them will be stepping up on the 24th of September to receive this prestigious award. We’ll find out in London who it is.
Article By: Shaiyan Alam, X