Enric Bonet
FIFA’s 2022 awards ceremony in Paris celebrated the top performances across men’s and women’s football, highlighting standout players, goalkeepers, and coaches. The night belonged to Alexia Putellas and Lionel Messi, whose achievements resonated like a global festival for the sport, with the Argentine contingent savoring a special moment as the world champions’ celebration carried through the room.
Award decisions stem from votes cast by captains, head coaches, and one journalist representative from each country worldwide. FIFA then makes the results public, revealing some interesting voting patterns and surprises along the way.
Didier Deschamps
The new national coach’s first public appearance in these pre-event galleries drew attention as he reflected on the World Cup in Qatar. He noted Julián Álvarez as the standout player of the year, a selection that echoed across multiple ballots and drew comparisons with other leading figures from the season.
The ballot also saw a British vote for Jude Bellingham as a top performer, while Luka Modrić’s ballot tally highlighted his continued influence across the game. Notably, none of the three finalists—Messi, Mbappé, or Benzema—appeared in every top tier of ballots, underscoring the diverse set of opinions among captains, selectors, and journalists.
Real Madrid’s captaincy choices created further talk, as the voting landscape showed a tendency to separate the club’s star players from the national team dynamics. The balance between individual brilliance and collective success remained a recurring theme in the discussions among coaches and players about the year that was.
Amid the celebrations, the voting narratives also highlighted how decisions were shaped by personal connections and strategic perspectives across leagues and teams. The awards carried the weight of reputation, form, and impact on the sport’s trajectory as the footballing world reflected on a year of memorable moments and standout campaigns.
The ceremony also recognized the influence of goalkeepers, defenders, and midfielders who helped steer season-long campaigns for their clubs and nations. The event offered a snapshot of the sport’s current landscape, where new stars emerge and seasoned greats continue to define the era. The atmosphere blended international pride with a shared appreciation for the game’s artistry and competitive spirit.
The night underscored the importance of a broad voting base that encompasses leadership from national teams, media everywhere, and the global football community. It also served as a reminder that the best players and coaches are measured not just by individual awards but by their contribution to teamwork, resilience, and the ongoing evolution of the sport across continents.
In 2022, the recognition extended beyond individual accolades. The ceremony reflected the enduring influence of teams, coaches, and players who adapted to a demanding schedule, navigated high-pressure moments, and delivered performances that inspired fans around the world. The awards this year showcased a sport that thrives on talent, unity, and an unyielding passion that connects fans from Canada to the United States and beyond.
As the event concluded, observers noted how the international voting body balanced glamour with merit. The results provided a snapshot of football’s present and a hint of its future, with Putellas and Messi taking center stage as the year’s most impactful players in a season that left a lasting mark on the game’s history.