Manchester City’s star players Erling Haaland and Rodri have been nominated for the prestigious 2024 FIFA Men’s Player of the Year Award. The duo’s recognition comes after a historic season in which Manchester City made history by becoming the first team in English top-flight football to win four consecutive league titles. Haaland and Rodri’s standout performances helped propel City to this monumental achievement, making them the only two nominees from the Premier League in the coveted category in FIFA men’s players award. Their inclusion is a testament to their individual brilliance and crucial roles in City’s success under Pep Guardiola.
Rodri, who played a pivotal role in City’s midfield and was named the Ballon d’Or winner, is considered a leading contender for the award. Haaland, with his extraordinary goal-scoring feats, is also a strong challenger, with his performance last season marking a new era in the Premier League. These two players will compete for the top individual honor against notable figures from other leagues, with a strong emphasis on Spain-based players like Jude Bellingham, who is also nominated. The winner of the FIFA Men’s Player award will be determined by a global vote involving fans, national team captains and coaches, and media representatives.
Contenders from La Liga and Other Leagues
While Haaland and Rodri represent Manchester City and the Premier League, the competition in the FIFA Men’s Player category is fierce, with several Spanish-based players also in the running. Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham, who finished third in the Ballon d’Or rankings, is one of the 11 nominees. The 21-year-old midfielder has been a revelation in La Liga and will be looking to make history as the first English player to win the FIFA Men’s Player award. Alongside him, his Real Madrid teammates such as Vinicius Jr. and Federico Valverde, as well as Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, bring a strong presence from La Liga to the shortlist.
In addition to these emerging talents, global football icons like Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi are also in contention. Messi, who won the award in 2023, is the only nominee currently playing outside Europe, with his performances for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer being a significant factor in his continued dominance in world football. While Messi remains a frontrunner, it’s clear that the competition from Spain-based players, including Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kroos, will make this year’s vote particularly thrilling.
FIFA Best Men’s Coach Nominees: A Stellar Lineup
The nominees for Best Men’s Coach of the Year also reflect the high standards of coaching across Europe and beyond. Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who won the award in 2023 after leading his team to an unprecedented treble, is once again nominated. Guardiola’s tactical genius and leadership were instrumental in City’s historic dominance, and his continued excellence ensures his place as one of the top contenders. He will face competition from some of the best minds in football, including Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, Argentina’s Lionel Scaloni, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso.
Other notable nominees include Spain’s Luis de la Fuente, who guided his team to the UEFA Nations League title, and Ancelotti, whose Real Madrid side remained competitive across all fronts despite a heavy fixture schedule. Each of these coaches has proven themselves in the toughest leagues and tournaments, and their ability to inspire their teams to success makes the Best Men’s Coach category one of the most eagerly anticipated awards at the FIFA Best Ceremony.
FIFA Best Men’s Goalkeeper Nominees: A Battle Between Europe’s Elite
The Best Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year category also sees fierce competition, with a selection of some of the finest shot-stoppers in world football. Among the nominees are Manchester City’s Ederson, who played a key role in City’s quadruple-winning campaign, and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, known for his crucial saves in both domestic and international tournaments. Arsenal’s David Raya, who has been in excellent form since joining the Gunners, also features in the shortlist, further highlighting the strength of goalkeeping talent across Europe.
Alongside these Premier League stars, La Liga’s Andriy Lunin and Paris St-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma add to the diversity of the nominees, with both goalkeepers making vital contributions for their respective clubs. AC Milan’s Mike Maignan and Athletic Bilbao’s Unai Simon round out the nominees, making it clear that the competition for the Best Goalkeeper title is set to be fierce. With each nominee demonstrating exceptional skill and consistency, the battle for this FIFA award is sure to be a closely contested one.
