The Triumvirate of Excellence: De Bruyne, Haaland & Messi Nominated
A triumvirate of football excellence has been unveiled by UEFA as the prime contenders for the prestigious UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award for the 2022/2023 season. The laureate of this honor will be announced during the Champions League group stage draw, scheduled for Thursday, August 31st, at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. Simultaneously, UEFA will recognize the coach who has exerted the most profound influence throughout the season with the UEFA Men’s Coach of the Year award.
Decoding UEFA’s Player of the Year Award Selection:
For the male player category, the initial shortlist was meticulously crafted by UEFA’s technical study group, considering performances across the 2022/2023 season, encompassing both club and national team endeavors. The final triumvirate of top contenders was determined by a distinguished panel of judges, including coaches from clubs participating in the 2022/2023 Champions League group stage, Europa League, and Europa Conference League, as well as national team coaches affiliated with UEFA member associations. A subset of journalists designated by the European Sports Media (ESM) also played a role in the selection process.
The Stellar Contenders and Their Feats:
De Bruyne, Haaland & Messi Nominated for UEFA’s Top Player
Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City) displayed unparalleled prowess by securing a staggering 52 goals in 53 matches during his debut season with Manchester City, setting new records in the city of Manchester.
Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City) reigned supreme in both the Premier League and Champions League assist charts, tallying 16 and 7 assists, respectively, across the competitions. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi (Argentina – Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami) embarked on a triumphant journey, securing the World Cup trophy with two pivotal goals in a captivating final against France. Additionally, he clinched the Ligue 1 title with PSG, showcasing his enduring prowess.
The Race for Glory: Remaining Players in the Voting
Apart from the triumphant trio, other players also exhibited exceptional performances:
Ilkay Gundogan (Germany & Man City, now at Barcelona) – 129 points
Rodri (Spain & Manchester City) – 110 points
Kylian Mbappe (France & Paris Saint-Germain) – 82 points
Luka Modric (Croatia & Real Madrid) – 33 points
Marcelo Brozovic (Croatia & Inter, now at Al Nassr) – 20 points
Declan Rice (England & West Ham, now at Arsenal) – 14 points
Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina & Brighton, now at Liverpool) – 12 points
Jesus Navas (Spain & Sevilla) – 6 points
A Glimpse of the Future: Messi’s Triumph Sets the Stage
The culmination of this enthralling contest solidifies Messi’s indomitable prowess and sets the stage for his potential coronation at the forthcoming 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Stay tuned for the momentous reveal that the football world ardently awaits.
