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Who will replace Lionel Messi? FIFA publishes the nominations for the world footballer title: two Germans are on the list.
Frankfurt/Zurich – FIFA announced the nominations for the “The Best” Awards on Friday night. Among the eleven contenders for the title of world footballer are the German players Florian Wirtz and Toni Kroos.
Wirtz won both the championship and the DFB Cup with Bayer 04 Leverkusen last season. Kroos, who won both the Spanish championship and the Champions League with Real Madrid, ended his career after the DFB team’s quarter-final exit against Spain at the European Championships in the summer.
Toni Kroos (l.) and Florian Wirtz (r.) are among the eleven nominees for the FIFA World Player of the Year title. © IMAGO / Nico Herbertz
Wirtz and Kroos among the eleven nominees
In addition to the two Germans, the list of nominees for the world footballer title also includes Dani Carvajal (Spain/Real Madrid), Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City), Federico Valverde (Uruguay/Real Madrid), Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid) , Kylian Mbappé (France/Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid), Lamine Yamal (Spain/FC Barcelona), Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami), Rodri (Spain/Manchester City) and Vinícius Júnior (Brazil/Real Madrid).
The performances for the period from August 21, 2023 to August 10, 2024 will be evaluated. The FIFA Gala is expected to take place in the first half of January, although an exact date for 2025 has not yet been communicated. Four groups are allowed to cast their votes in the vote: the captains and coaches of all national teams, Fans worldwide until December 10th and a selection of journalists.
FIFA also awards these prizes
However, only journalists are entitled to vote in the awarding of the Ballon d’Or, which Rodri won at the end of October. The ceremony in Paris caused controversy as Real Madrid boycotted the event due to Vinícius’ second place.
Last year, Lionel Messi was able to claim the title of world footballer for the fourth time at “The Best” awards. The following prizes will also be awarded: FIFA Puskás Prize (best men’s goal), FIFA Marta Prize (best women’s goal), FIFA Fan Prize, FIFA Fair Play Prize, FIFA World Player of the Year, FIFA World Goalkeeper, FIFA Women’s World Coach. The team of the year is also chosen. For the first time, fans have a 50 percent say.
Nominees for “The Best – FIFA World Player”
Dani Carvajal (Spanish/Real Madrid)
Erling Haaland (Norway/Manchester City)
Federico Valverde (Uruguay/Real Madrid)
Florian Wirtz (Germany/Bayer Leverkusen)
Jude Bellingham (England/Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé (France/Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid)
Lamine Yamal (Spain/FC Barcelona)
Lionel Messi (Argentina/Inter Miami)
Rodri (Spain/Manchester City)
Toni Kroos (Germany/Real Madrid, end of career)
Vinícius Júnior (Brasilien/Real Madrid)
Nominees for “The Best – FIFA World Coach – Men”
Carlo Ancelotti (Italien/Real Madrid)
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina/Argentina national team)
Luis de la Fuente (Spain/Spanish national team)
Spain Pep Guardiola (Spain/Manchester City)
Xabi Alonso (Spanien/Bayer Leverkusen)
Nominees for “The Best – FIFA World Goalkeeper”
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine/Real Madrid)
David Raya (Spanien/Arsenal)
Ederson (Brazil/Manchester City)
Emiliano Martínez (Argentinien/Aston Villa)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy/Paris Saint-Germain)
Mike Maignan (France/AC Milan)
Unai Simón (Spanien/Athletic Club)
