Since it stopped collaborating on with the French magazine France Football on the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has been organizing its annual trophies independently.

Last season, Lionel Messi was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player, a few days after his flamboyant World Cup in Qatar, while Alexia Putellas won The Best FIFA Women’s Player of 2022.

This year’s ceremony rewards players and clubs over the period from December 19, 2022, to August 20, 2023, inclusive. A campaign was marked in particular by the historic treble of Manchester City, the return of FC Barcelona to the roof of Spain, and the incredible run of Napoli in Italy.

This Monday, January 15, Lionel Messi was voted the Best Player of the year 2023 during The Best ceremony organized by FIFA.

While everyone expected to see Erling Haaland triumph after a gigantic year with Manchester United, the Norwegian once again finishes behind Lionel Messi, after another second-placed finish at the Ballon d'Or a few weeks ago.

The Argentinian who left Paris Saint-Germain and joined Inter Miami in the MLS, finished ahead of the Manchester City striker, and Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain).

Having both received 48 votes with Kylian Mbappé collecting 35 votes, the award was given to Messi because he received more votes from captains (13 versus 11 for Haaland).

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was not even present in London to receive his new trophy. An award that the Pulga himself did not expect to win?

It was therefore Thierry Henry, one of the evening’s hosts, who received the trophy on behalf of his former Barcelona teammate Messi.

No surprise here.

The winner of the Spanish Liga and the Women’s Champions League with FC Barcelona and the Women’s World Cup with Spain, Bonmati has been awarded The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2023, picking up 2024 exactly where she left 2023 off, on top of the world.

Manchester City's Spanish technician, Pep Guardiola, wins the award for The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2023, during the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, organized on Monday in London.

Guardiola is reaping the rewards of a season mastered from start to finish at the head of the Citizens, which ended with a historic treble: Championship, FA Cup and Champions League.

The Spanish philosopher was named alongside the Italians Simone Inzaghi (Inter Milan) and Luciano Spalletti, Italian champion with Napoli and current coach of the Nazionale.

Unsurprisingly, it was England national coach Sarina Wiegman who was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Coach of 2023, after a great season with the Lionesses.

Indeed, she guided the English team to the final of the Women's World Cup last summer, a few months after winning Euro 2022 with England. She therefore retains her title.

If Thibaut Courtois was elected in World 11 of 2023 earlier during the evening, it was ultimately the Brazilian goalkeeper of Manchester City, Ederson, who was elected The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper following a season marked by a historic treble with Manchester City.

If the Spanish goalkeeper, Catalina Coll, could have won the trophy after a historic individual season marked by Spain’s World Cup glory against the Lionesses but also by her club’s Champions League trophy, it is ultimately the Englishwoman, Mary Earps, who leaves once again with the prize. She therefore retains her title already won last year.

The highlight of the evening might be FIFA awarding Marta a special recognition award.

Known for her motivational speeches, Marta took use of the opportunity to address young female footballers: "I want every single woman, to see a future, a promising future. It's not just directed to those who want to play football, but to any activity they want to perform in,” before adding “just do it, the next generation will be thankful for that".

FIFA announced that starting next year, the “Marta Award” will join the ranks honoring the best goal in women's football.