In tandem with the 2023-24 Champions League group stage draw, UEFA held its annual awards at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, celebrating the season’s standout performers and leaders across men’s and women’s football.
players of the year
There were no real shocks in the category for the best player. Aitana Bonmatí, FC Barcelona’s midfield maestro, was honored as the player of the year for the European football community. The Catalan talent, who had already played a pivotal role as Barcelona swept the League title, the Super Cup, and the Champions League, also helped Spain capture the World Cup, capping her incredible year with the Ballon d’Or crown as the top football player overall. Her triumph followed a closely watched vote that reflected a season of influence on and off the pitch. The ceremony also highlighted real stories of resilience and excellence from across Europe, with a note of admiration for other top contenders such as Olga Carmona for her decisive World Cup performance, and Sam Kerr who continues to shine on the international stage. Acclaimed forward Erling Haaland of Manchester City took home the men’s best player award, finishing ahead of rivals like Kevin De Bruyne and Lionel Messi. The trophy, presented at the Gala in Monaco, echoed a yearlong battle for European supremacy and individual brilliance across leagues. UEFA
Coaches of the Year
Pep Guardiola, the Spanish manager of Manchester City, was named UEFA Coach of the Year for the season, capping a spectacular run that saw club and country achievements align in an extraordinary way. The ceremony in Monaco also featured coaches from other leading teams, including Simone Inzaghi of Inter Milan and Luciano Spalletti, the Italian tactician who steered Napoli’s campaign. The recognition underscored a coaching landscape defined by tactical innovation and the ability to translate squad depth into consistent results in major competitions. UEFA
In the women’s category, FC Barcelona’s Jonatan Giráldez was shortlisted for the women’s coach award, with other prominent contenders such as Jorge Vilda and Sarina Wiegman highlighted for their work at national team levels. The eventual runner-up position reflected the competitive nature of women’s football, where coaching excellence continues to drive progress across leagues and national teams. UEFA
President of the Year
Miroslav Klose, a former player turned coach, received the 2023 UEFA President’s Award during the Monaco gala that opened the new season. The award acknowledges outstanding achievements, professional excellence, and exemplary personal qualities. Klose’s career includes stints with top clubs like Kaiserslautern, Werder Bremen, and Bayern Munich, as well as Lazio, and he remains a symbol of integrity and dedication in European football. UEFA
The award program previously honored Arrigo Sacchi, and UEFA noted Klose’s role as a global ambassador of fair play. The record shows his years as a World Cup winner with Brazil in 2014 and his status as a prolific scorer helped shape the tournament’s history. The committee cited moments when Klose’s measured conduct on and off the field reflected the sport’s highest standards, reinforcing the importance of integrity when teams face high-stakes decisions. UEFA