The 2023 symbol squad for the Best FIFA Football Awards
During the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony, the symbol squad for 2023 was announced based on the selections from FIFPro, the International Federation of Professional Footballers, alongside FIFA, the sport’s global governing body. This combined approach reflects how the best players of the year are recognized by both players and organizers, creating a consensus that resonates with fans across North America.
The ceremony is scheduled to take place in London on January 15, marking a prominent moment in the football calendar when teammates, rivals, and national teams come together to celebrate achievement and influence.
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois, standing tall for Real Madrid, represents Belgium in this elite group. The selection highlights a goalkeeper known for shot-stopping, distribution, and leadership between the posts, underscoring the importance of a reliable last line in the modern game. (FIFA)
Defenders: The defensive line features Kyle Walker of Manchester City from England, Ruben Dias of Manchester City representing Portugal, and John Stones, also from Manchester City and England. These players are recognized for their versatility, pace, and positional intelligence, forming a back line accustomed to high-press systems and possession-heavy builds from the back. (FIFPro)
Midfielders: In the central areas, Jude Bellingham is listed with ties to Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, reflecting his remarkable club transition and continued impact at the highest level. Kevin De Bruyne, a stalwart of Manchester City, brings creativity and precision, while Bernardo Silva, another City presence, offers flair, work rate, and strategic calm. The midfield group demonstrates how control, pace, and invention often determine the outcome of top-tier matches. (FIFA)
Forward: The forward cohort features Lionel Messi, associated with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, with Argentina bearing his footballing heritage. Erling Haaland of Manchester City is included for his goal-scoring dominance, followed by Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain representing France, and Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid from Brazil, whose dribbling and attacking impact have become defining traits of contemporary football. (FIFPro)
A notable highlight from the coaching realm is Pep Guardiola, the Spanish manager at Manchester City, who was selected as the best coach for 2023. His strategic innovations and sustained success at the club level are cited as pivotal influences on the sport’s coaching landscape. (FIFA)
Looking back at recent history, conversations around Real Madrid often mention the intense derby with Atletico Madrid, a fixture that tests tactical depth and resilience for those involved. The context of such rivalries helps illustrate how performances in big games translate into broader recognition and prestige within awards discussions. (FIFA)