The FIFA Men’s Player Award is one of the most prestigious individual awards in the world of football. It is presented annually by FIFA to the best male football player of the year, recognizing outstanding skill, sportsmanship, and success on the field. The award has been presented since 1991 (formerly known as FIFA World Player of the Year) and rebranded in 2016 as The Best FIFA Men’s Player. It has become one of the most highly anticipated events on the football calendar.
From the early days of George Weah and Zinedine Zidane to the recent domination of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the award has been given to some of the most iconic and talented players to grace the game. This year FIFA has released the Nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2022. Let’s explore the players’ power ranking.
Nominees for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2022
The award is a true testament to the excellence of the modern game and the players who inspire us with their performances. It is a celebration of the best of the best in football and a moment for fans to honor the players who make the game so special. This year 14 footballers got the nomination.
| Players | Country | Club |
| Julián Álvarez | Argentina | Manchester City FC |
| Jude Bellingham | England | BV Borussia 09 Dortmund |
| Karim Benzema | France | Real Madrid CF |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | Manchester City FC |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | Manchester City FC |
| Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Robert Lewandowski | Poland | FC Barcelona |
| Sadio Mané | Senegal | FC Bayern München |
| Kylian Mbappé | France | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Luka Modrić | Croatia | Real Madrid CF |
| Neymar | Brazil | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool FC |
| Vinícius Junior | Brazil | Real Madrid CF |
Read More: Ronaldo set to face PSG, Messi in first game in Saudi Arabia
The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2022 Power Ranking
After considering last year’s performance, some players will have a close competition, while Messi has a great chance of winning. The player is selected by a panel of international media members, coaches, and national team captains. The winner is determined through a combination of these votes and a public online poll. Let’s see the power ranking of the 2022 award.
#1 Lionel Messi
Argentine star Lionel Messi is top of the list after his great performance at the World Cup 2022. Lionel Messi is a phenomenon, having provided fans with many years of awe-inspiring football. His immense talent has finally been rewarded with the ultimate honor; a World Cup victory. He led the team to success with a series of goals and assists that amazed supporters in every corner of the world. The long wait is finally over.
However, his club PSG’s elimination from the Champions League might be disappointing. But overall, it was an excellent year for Messi both in the national team and club with a total 51 appearances, 30 assists, and 35 goals. Besides, the winning of Trophée des Champions will put Messi forward in the award.
Read More: FIFA World Cup 2022: Messi’s Records, Argentina’s Road to Victory
#2 Kylian Mbappe
The young French talent Mbappe just turned 24 last month, and he can look back on his incredible career so far with pride. As a one-time World Cup winner and a World Cup runner-up, Mbappe is confident that he will break even more records at the tournament in years to come. His ambition and talent are certain to continue to be a formidable force in the world of football.
Kylian Mbappe put his name in the history books with a sensational hat trick in the World Cup 2022 final against Argentina. This incredible feat earned him the Golden Boot and capped off an impressive run at the tournament. The Paris Saint-Germain superstar was a standout performer on the world stage, further reinforcing his reputation as one of the best players of his generation.
#3 Karim Benzema
Although Karim Benzema missed the World Cup, his incredible performance for Real Madrid and France has put him on the nominees' list. Further, his Ballon d’Or winning is another factor in being eligible for this list.
In 2021/2022, Karim Benzema achieved a remarkable feat - he won the La Liga, the Supercopa de Espana, and the Champions League titles with Real Madrid! This success is proof of the strength of his talent and commitment to the sport. It is a great accomplishment for him and for the team as a whole.
Read More: Ronaldo joins Saudi Club Al Nassr: End of an Era in European Football
#4 Kevin De Bruyne
Widely recognized as one of the finest midfielders in the world, Kevin De Bruyne has earned his praises through his impressive long-range passes, assists, and deadly goal-scoring ability. The Manchester City star shines on the pitch and is a top contender for any awards that are up for grabs.
However, at the World Cup 2022, Kevin De Bruyne was unable to prevent Belgium’s aging team from an early exit in the group stage. His performance was far from impressive, leaving many feeling disappointed. But his incredible performance for Manchester City made him listed in the FIFA Men’s Player award.
#5 Robert Lewandowski
At the peak of his career, Robert Lewandowski has become one of the most renowned strikers in the world. His impressive goal-scoring record is well known, and he is being widely discussed as a potential recipient of both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best awards.
The 34-year-old Polish international has made a name for himself in the footballing world. But, he could not put much effort into the national team at the World Cup. It seemed that this could be the last time we see Robert Lewandowski at a World Cup, and he did not have the successful tournament he had hoped for.
Despite this, he still managed to score two goals at a World Cup, which is an impressive accomplishment. But, his club performance in Bayern Munich and Barcelona keep him on the best players list.
Read More: SAFF U-20 Women's Championship kicks off in Dhaka February 3
Final Words
These five players are the top contenders. However, among all the players, Messi is surely ahead in the race. His performance was hugely influential in Argentina’s success, helping them to defeat France in the penalty shootout. This result will undoubtedly give Messi a significant edge in the race to win the Best FIFA Men’s Player award 2022.