Lionel Messi, the Paris Saint-Germain and Argentina forward, continues to extend his lead in the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) award tally. The organization highlighted his continued excellence by naming him the Playmaker of the Year for 2022, a recognition that further counces his already storied career. At 35 years old, Messi has now accumulated 13 IFFHS awards across different categories, underscoring a level of sustained performance that few players in the sport have matched. The announcement on January 7 confirmed what many observers have long suspected: Messi remains a dominant force in the global football landscape, shaping games with creativity, vision, and decision-making that consistently set him apart from his peers [Source: IFFHS].
Rounding out the all-time leaders in IFFHS accolades is Cristiano Ronaldo, the striker who represents Al-Nasr and Portugal on the international stage. Ronaldo sits in second place in terms of total IFFHS honors earned across various categories, boasting eight awards throughout his illustrious career. His ability to perform at a high level across different leagues and competitions has kept him near the pinnacle of IFFHS recognition, complementing Messi’s extraordinary run and highlighting a remarkable era of football when both players have continually pushed each other toward greater achievements [Source: IFFHS].
As 2022 drew to a close, Messi further cemented his status with three more IFFHS acknowledgments. In addition to previously earning the title of player of the year, he was also celebrated as the top scorer of the year in that period, reinforcing his dual impact as both a creator and a scorer. This clean sweep of recognition mirrors Messi’s influence across multiple facets of the sport and reinforces why he remains a central figure in discussions about the game’s greatest talents of the modern era [Source: IFFHS].
The acclaim for Messi extended beyond football circles as well when the French edition of L’Équipe named him the best athlete of 2022. This cross-sport acknowledgment reflects the broad appreciation for Messi’s performances on the field, his influence in the sport, and the cultural reach of his performances across different audiences. The spotlight on Messi in France aligns with his global reputation as a once-in-a-generation playmaker who can influence outcomes with moments of extraordinary skill and understanding of the game [Source: L’Équipe].
In the same year, young French star Kylian Mbappé, who sits on the same club roster with Messi, finished second in the voting, signaling the ongoing transition of leadership from one generation to the next. Mbappé’s performances in the period showcased his attributes: blistering speed, clinical finishing, and the ability to produce decisive moments on big stages. A broad audience took notice, recognizing him as a core figure in the near-future of top-tier football. Completing the top three in this particular ranking is Rafael Nadal of Spain, a tennis legend whose achievement in a different sport underscores the universal appeal of elite sporting excellence and the high bar Messi set that year [Source: L’Équipe].