Despite an injury, Alexia Putellas continues to collect individual honors with ease. The FC Barcelona captain claimed a top prize on Monday night, becoming the first woman to win The Best award twice. Alongside her, Lionel Messi shone at the gala, edging out Robert Lewandowski for The Best award thanks to a dazzling World Cup campaign in Qatar.
“If you have a dream and you work hard, you can reach it. And the most important thing is to enjoy the journey,” Putellas said at the ceremony at the Pleyel concert hall in Paris, where the best is celebrated. The Barça captain, who returned to action after a serious summer injury, dedicated the award to her teammates, family, and club, drawing applause from the audience, including Barça president Joan Laporta.
What a night indeed.
Congratulations to all this year’s winners at the The Best FIFA Football Awards. Find out who won in each category at the ceremony in Paris.
FIFA announced the results on social media on February 27, 2023.
Most awarded Spanish football player
The Catalan midfielder demonstrated his stature as one of Spain’s top football talents by securing his second The Best award, tying with Galician Luis Suárez for the most individual recognitions. Putellas had already claimed her second Ballon d’Or earlier in October in the French capital, and now has added a second The Best award as well.
The recognition underscored Barça’s bright season. Even though they fell short in the Champions League final against Olympique Lyon, the team dominated domestic competitions. The club boasted standout numbers with 11 goals in the Champions League, 18 goals and 18 assists in La Liga. Teammate Map León joined him in the ceremony’s spotlight, celebrating a remarkable year alongside her club colleagues.
“I made my dream come true”
Putellas earned a well-deserved recognition, as did Messi. The Argentine star, celebrated as the World Cup champion, secured his second The Best award, adding to a legacy that already includes seven Ballon d’Or titles. Reflecting on the journey, the veteran forward said the year had been extraordinary, marked by hard-fought battles and a persistent belief in his goals. He credited his teammates and coaching staff for the collective success that was recognized on the night. Mbappé and Benzema finished high in the final rankings, with several French stars illustrating a competitive year across the calendar. At the ceremony, Lionel Messi highlighted the support of his colleagues and the vital role of the entire Argentina squad in achieving their recent triumphs.
As the ceremony looked back on Argentina’s successful campaigns, Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, praised the team’s drive and unity. The event highlighted the Argentine presence across the awards, with Messi and his collaborators standing out as focal figures in the year’s football narrative. The Best prize, a capstone of a long and storied career, was celebrated as a testament to enduring excellence in world football.
#TheBest ️ | The Best goalkeeper, the Best coach, and the Best fans were also celebrated as part of the night’s honours.
The fireworks of the evening included a memorable performance by the event’s guests and a tribute to the sport’s vibrant culture, with elements of humor and drama interwoven into the program. The ceremony underscored the global appeal of football and the way it brings together players, clubs, and fans from every corner of the world, all sharing in the spectacle of the game’s highest honours.