The International Football Federation, commonly known as FIFA, has published the list of nominees for the 2023 Best Actor award, an honor presented to the footballer deemed the year’s standout performer. This year’s slate reflects a rich mix of offensive creators, dynamic playmakers, and goal-scoring machines who left their mark across leagues and continental competitions. The aim of the award remains to recognize exceptional talent and influence on the field while capturing the imagination of fans around the world. — Attribution: FIFA
The roster of contenders includes notable stars from major clubs and leagues. Julian Alvarez of Manchester City stands among those considered for the prize, alongside Marcelo Brozovic who represents Inter and has also been linked with Al-Nassr in discussions about future moves. Kevin De Bruyne, another Manchester City spellbinding midfielder, brings vision and precision to the contention, while İlkay Gündoğan, with a history at Manchester City and a recent stint with Barcelona, has delivered midfield control and clutch performances. Erling Haaland, a prolific striker for Manchester City, is joined by Rodri, another City midfielder contributing through tackles, distribution, and intelligence on the pitch. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Napoli talent known for his audacious dribbles and decisive moments, also appears in the lineup, as does Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain, a forward who consistently redefines attacking pace and accuracy. Lionel Messi, wearing the PSG and Inter Miami banners, remains a perennial favorite given his enduring influence, creation, and leadership on the field. Victor Osimhen of Napoli contributes with relentless tempo and goal threat, while Declan Rice, having transitioned from West Ham to Arsenal, brings steadfast defensive work and ball progression from midfield. Bernardo Silva of Manchester City adds versatility and creative flair to the collection of nominees. — Attribution: FIFA
The holder of the Best Actor award, prior to the current announcement, is Lionel Messi, who has carried his legacy from international triumphs with Argentina and his club successes into this season’s campaigns. The decision on the winner will be made through a democratic process that includes votes from national team fans, as well as input from journalists, team captains, and coaches. This blended voting approach aims to balance popular support with expert judgment, ensuring that the recipient reflects both widespread admiration and technical excellence. — Attribution: FIFA
As the football calendar moves through a season rich with championships, it becomes clear that the Best Actor award is less a single moment than a summation of sustained excellence across domestic leagues and continental trophies. The reference point remains last season’s triumphs that saw Inter Miami claim remarkable success and the Argentina national team lift the world’s premier prize in Qatar, signaling the strength of the competing nations and clubs involved. In parallel, Manchester City achieved Champions League glory, underscoring the caliber of players who populate the nominee list. These performances set a high bar for the voting panel and fans alike, shaping conversations about who best embodies the spirit and skill of modern football. — Attribution: FIFA
In the broader context, recent reports surrounding Ballon d’Or candidates have also circulated, noting that some high-profile players may or may not appear on various long lists. One notable discussion centered on Cristiano Ronaldo, with sources indicating that he was not included in the Ballon d’Or candidate pool for that year. This detail illustrates how honor lists can shift across awards, each with its own criteria and timing, while the Best Actor award continues to spotlight a different set of achievements and performances. — Attribution: FIFA