Since its inception, The Best Awards have stood out for their transparency and inclusivity, with voting equally split among national team captains, coaches, journalists, and supporters.

This year’s ceremony carries extra weight, serving as the curtain raiser for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The awards will celebrate excellence across multiple categories, including The Best FIFA Men’s and Women’s Player, The Best Coach, The Best Goalkeeper, and the FIFA Puskás Award for the most outstanding goal of the year.

Beyond accolades, the event represents FIFA’s core values of fairness, transparency, and global unity through football.

The Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees

• Ousmane Dembélé (France / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Harry Kane (England / FC Bayern München)
• Kylian Mbappé (France / Real Madrid)
• Nuno Mendes (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Cole Palmer (England / Chelsea)
• Pedri (Spain / Barcelona)
• Raphinha (Brazil / Barcelona)
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt / Liverpool)
• Vitinha (Portugal / Paris Saint-Germain)
• Lamine Yamal (Spain / Barcelona)

The Best FIFA Women’s Player Nominees

• Sandy Baltimore (France / Chelsea)
• Nathalie Björn (Sweden / Chelsea)
• Aitana Bonmatí (Spain / Barcelona)
• Lucy Bronze (England / Chelsea)
• Mariona Caldentey (Spain / Arsenal)
• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City Current)
• Kadidiatou Diani (France / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Patri Guijarro (Spain / Barcelona)
• Lindsey Heaps (USA / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Lauren James (England / Chelsea)
• Chloe Kelly (England / Manchester City / Arsenal)
• Ewa Pajor (Poland / Barcelona)
• Claudia Pina (Spain / Barcelona)
• Alexia Putellas (Spain / Barcelona)
• Alessia Russo (England / Arsenal)
• Leah Williamson (England / Arsenal)

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Nominees

• Javier Aguirre (Mexico)
• Mikel Arteta (Arsenal)
• Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
• Hansi Flick (Barcelona)
• Enzo Maresca (Chelsea)
• Roberto Martínez (Portugal)
• Arne Slot (Liverpool)

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Nominees

• Sonia Bompastor (Chelsea)
• Jonatan Giráldez (Washington Spirit / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Seb Hines (Orlando Pride)
• Renée Slegers (Arsenal)
• Sarina Wiegman (England)

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Nominees

• Alisson Becker (Brazil / Liverpool)
• Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid)
• Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy / Paris Saint-Germain / Manchester City)
• Emiliano Martínez (Argentina / Aston Villa)
• Manuel Neuer (Germany / Bayern München)
• David Raya (Spain / Arsenal)
• Yann Sommer (Switzerland / Inter Milan)
• Wojciech Szczęsny (Poland / Barcelona)

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Nominees

• Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Gotham FC)
• Cata Coll (Spain / Barcelona)
• Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais)
• Hannah Hampton (England / Chelsea)
• Anna Moorhouse (England / Orlando Pride)
• Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC / Brighton & Hove Albion)
• Phallon Tullis-Joyce (USA / Manchester United)

FIFA Fan Award Nominees

• Alejandro Ciganotto (Argentina)
• Manolo el del Bombo (Spain, posthumous)
• Zakho Fans (Iraq)

As excitement builds ahead of the ceremony, fans and analysts alike are already debating potential winners, with Kylian Mbappé, Aitana Bonmatí, and Chiamaka Nnadozie among early favourites to take home top honours.

 

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Cristiano Ronaldo has dropped hints that he might extend his playing career until the 2026 World Cup, setting an ambitious target for the Portugal national team.

In the earlier part of the year, Ronaldo achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first male player to reach 200 international appearances.

However, according to Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, the 38-year-old is now aiming to achieve 250 caps for his national team.

To reach this milestone, it is plausible that Ronaldo intends to participate in the 2026 World Cup finals, showcasing his dedication and desire to contribute to Portugal’s success on the international stage for an extended period of time.

“250 caps interests me”@Cristiano had a surprise for Roberto Martinez when he took over as Portugal coach. pic.twitter.com/PjxFAI9mP7

— Freddie Ljungberg (@freddie) December 22, 2023

In an interview with former Arsenal winger Freddie Ljungberg, Roberto Martinez, the Portugal manager, revealed a conversation he had with Cristiano Ronaldo after taking charge of the national team. Martinez shared, “He [Ronaldo] was very close to reaching 200 caps, something nobody has ever done before. I said [to Ronaldo], ‘Is 200 caps something that interests you or not?’ He said, ‘250 interests me.'”

With Ronaldo currently boasting 205 caps for Portugal, surpassing the previous record set by Kuwait’s Bader Al-Mutawa, and having scored a world record 128 international goals, achieving the 250-cap milestone is now on his radar.

To fulfill this target, it suggests that Ronaldo may aim to participate in the 2026 World Cup, extending his illustrious career and showcasing a strong commitment to representing Portugal at the highest level until the age of 41.

Despite being 38 years old, Ronaldo is on track to finish 2023 as the leading male goalscorer globally, with 53 goals for both club and country. With his enduring goal-scoring prowess, the idea of him competing in the next World Cup seems plausible, especially considering it’s the one major trophy that has eluded him thus far.

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Cristiano Ronaldo has consistently shown an incredible level of ambition and determination throughout his career. Setting a target of 1000 goals, even after reaching 857 career goals, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.

He has always been known for his remarkable work ethic and goal-scoring ability. If he manages to achieve this goal, it would be an unprecedented milestone in the world of football.

It will undoubtedly be fascinating to see if he can maintain his high level of performance and continue breaking records as he pursues this extraordinary goal.

“It will be quite difficult, but it’s about my mindset and my motivation. If, physically, my legs treat me as well as I treat them… We’ll see, these are small steps. To get to 1,000, you first have to get to 900. I think I will get there,” he said during the conversation.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s desire to extend his contract with Al-Nassr and continue playing for both his club and the national team, even at the age of 38, reflects his immense passion for the game.

His impressive goal-scoring record with Al-Nassr this season shows that he is still a formidable force on the field. Achieving a milestone of 1,000 career goals would be a remarkable feat, and it’s clear that Ronaldo remains highly motivated to make that happen.

However, it will be interesting to see how national team coaches, such as Roberto Martinez, manage Ronaldo’s participation in international competitions. Balancing the desire to have a player of Ronaldo’s caliber on the team with considerations of his physical condition and workload will be a challenge.

Nonetheless, Ronaldo’s determination and work ethic have carried him far in his career, and it will be intriguing to witness how he continues to perform in the coming years.

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Portugal boss Roberto Martinez has provided an explanation for his choice to include Cristiano Ronaldo in the “new cycle” of the team.

Ronaldo captained Portugal at the 2022 World Cup under former manager Fernando Santos after departing Manchester United under a cloud of scandal, however, due to his lacklustre play in the knockout rounds, Goncalo Ramos took his position.

Ronaldo’s days playing for Portugal’s national team appeared to be limited at 38 years old given the country’s abundance of offensive skill. However, after taking over in January, new coach Martinez has included him in both of his teams and cited the forward’s leadership and experience as justifications.

The Spanish tactician told talkSPORT: “I was appointed on January 9 and had six weeks with the starting point of meeting every player who was in that list of 26 players in Qatar. So you’re talking about going to the five top leagues in Europe, going to Saudi Arabia and being in Portugal and it was fascinating to see every player and how they developed their roles in different dressing rooms in different leagues. At that point you get the opportunity to meet the person behind the footballer and for me, it was a very clear moment.

“I met all the players and in that you see what it means to play football and where they are in their careers. For Cristiano, he wasn’t ready to step away. He was ready and wanting to be a part of the new cycle and at that point it was very easy to include him into the March camp, and then you can make a football decision. He scored four goals, he was a real leader, a captain and someone who brings an experience that no other player has in world football. He’s someone who can reach 200 caps for your country and someone who needs to be used in your dressing room.”

Martinez’s choice to start Ronaldo in Portugal’s previous European qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and Luxembourg was undoubtedly justified.

The Al-Nassr captain created history by being the first player to play in two men’s international matches, and Portugal amassed an enormous eleven goals to win Group J.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will undoubtedly captain Portugal in their next European matches against Bosnia at home and Iceland on June 17 and 20, respectively.

Os Escolhidos 🫡 Estes são os convocados para os jogos de qualificação para o Europeu! #VesteABandeira pic.twitter.com/X8Za6Dp9hl

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) May 29, 2023

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Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes disagrees with captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim that the new manager, Roberto Martinez, has given the club a “breath of fresh air.”

Recall that the Portuguese Football Association recently appointed Martinez as the new head coach of the national team, replacing Fernando Santos.

In his debut game in charge, Martinez guided Portugal to a 4-0 victory against Liechtenstein in a Euro 2024 qualifying match last week.

The former Belgium coach also led the team as they thrashed Luxembourg 6-0 in another Euro 2024 qualifier on Sunday.

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However, Ronaldo claimed there is “fresh air now, different ideas and mentality” with Martinez at the helm.

But, Fernandes asserted that, contrary to Ronaldo’s statement, the Selecao has never needed some fresh air and that this is because the squad is going through a change.

“No, it’s just a new coach with new ideas,” Fernandes told Portuguese television channel RTP3.

“There is no breath of fresh air at all. It’s just a transition period.”

“The atmosphere in the national team has always been good. There has never been anything that was not fresh air, so I think it is just new dynamics, new coach, and you have to assimilate his ideas.”

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Al-Nassr player Cristiano Ronaldo created more history on Thursday night in Lisbon, when Portugal defeated Liechtenstein 4-0.

Ronaldo netted a brace in Portugal’s first game under new manager Roberto Martinez, kicking off the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign in style. Bayern Munich’s Joao Cancelo and former Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva both scored.

Ronaldo, who joined Saudi side Al-Nassr in January, captained Portugal against Liechtenstein. It was his 197th senior game for his country – becoming the most capped player in men’s international football. Yet it wasn’t his only achievement on Thursday night.

CR7 also became the first player to score 100 competitive international goals with his brilliant brace in Lisbon. The veteran’s first strike was a penalty, while his second was a ferocious free kick. It was a reminder of what he still has to offer at the international level.

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Ronaldo’s goals mean he has now scored for 20 consecutive years for Portugal. His first goal came in June 2004, when Portugal suffered a 2-1 defeat to Greece during the group stages of Euro 2004 on home soil. They famously also lost the final to Greece.

Ronaldo has scored a lot of goals since then. He has 120 goals for Portugal, making him the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football. Ali Daei of Iran is second on the record with 109 goals, while Argentina’s long-term adversary Lionel Messi has 98.

Ronaldo has 197 caps for Portugal, moving him ahead of Bader Al-Mutawa of Kuwait (196 caps), Soh Chin Ann of Malaysia (195), Ahmed Hassan of Egypt (184), and Ahmed Mubarak of Oman (184). (183).

To add further context to Ronaldo’s achievement, Sergio Ramos is the second-most capped European men’s footballer with 180 senior outings for Spain. Gianluigi Buffon played 176 times for Italy, while Iker Casillas managed 167 appearances for Spain.

Ronaldo was asked about his desire to break records ahead of Thursday night’s game. He said, “Records are always positive, it’s my motivation and as you know, I like to break records. I have a lot of records, but tomorrow’s is also a special record.

“Being the most capped player in history – I have to confess that it is something that leaves me quite proud. In addition to being the best scorer ever for the national teams, I would also like to be the most international capped player. But not only tomorrow, I would like to have a lot of matches in the future.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo has said that he considered retiring from international football after being left on the bench by Portugal for the 2022 World Cup.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner began another major tournament as a key component of his country’s preparations, but by the time a quarter-final defeat to Morocco occurred, he had faced enough concerns about his commitment to the collective cause in Qatar that he found himself among the substitutes.

Ronaldo has made history with Portugal, gaining 196 caps and scoring 118 goals, but there was a time when the 38-year-old really considered ending that chapter in his incredible career.

Ronaldo told reporters heading into a Euro 2024 qualifier against Liechtenstein on Thursday: “I’m not going to lie. In our life, we have to put everything on the scale. We thought, we reflected, me and my family, but then we came to the conclusion that, despite the difficulties, we cannot throw in the towel. I was able to see situations at different angles. I learned a lot from that.

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“I’m glad to be back. Roberto Martinez showed that he counted on me. I’ve always wanted to play. As you know, he talked to everyone and to me, too. And I was able to realise that I have a lot to give to the national team. I feel it, I want it, and my desire is to take Portugal to the highest level. I will always give my contribution when they need me.”

Portugal manager Martinez has revealed that Ronaldo will remain in contention to captain the side under his leadership, with the famous attacker eager to usher in a new era.

He added: “There are a lot of different players, possibly the system will change, but it’s not for me to talk about it. Changes are good in life. What we feel in the national team is very positive. It feels like something special and positive. The intensity is very good, it’s different. I’m sure the national team will be prepared for whatever comes. I’m sure Portugal will be a team with more attacking.”

Ronaldo decided to join Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr on the most lucrative contract in international football when his contract with Manchester United expired in November 2022, thereby extending his playing career at the club level.

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Kevin De Bruyne has been named the new captain of the Belgian national team following the retirement of Eden Hazard.

After Belgium’s early elimination from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which also signalled the end of former coach Roberto Martinez’s tenure, Eden Hazard made the decision to leave the international game. Domenico Tedesco, Martinez’s successor, was then given the task of selecting a new leader for the Red Devils.

Before to their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, the 37-year-old boss named De Bruyne as Belgium’s new captain. The Manchester City player has 97 caps for his country and 25 goals at the international level.

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“It’s an honour for me to be named and represent the country in this way,” De Bruyne told RTL-TVI television after the announcement.

“I’m almost 32. I’ve never considered international retirement. I think I can still bring something to the table and help the youngsters.”

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and Inter forward Romelu Lukaku have been chosen as the two vice-captains.

De Bruyne has previously captained Belgium on multiple occasions, notably against Croatia in their last 2022 World Cup group-stage match.

In a 2024 European Championship Qualification on Friday against Sweden, De Bruyne will begin his tenure as the full-time captain of Belgium.

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Belgium have officially announced the appointment of Domenico Tedesco as their new first-team manager, after Roberto Martinez’s departure.

After Roberto Martinez left his position as national head coach in December, the Red Devils began looking for a replacement and have now turned to the Italian.

The national team website confirmed that Tedesco, 37, has a contract with them that lasts until after the 2024 Euros.

Speaking to the Belgian FA, Tedesco said: ‘For me it is a great honour to be the new head coach of Belgium. 

‘I’m really looking forward to the task and I’m extremely motivated. I had a very good feeling right from the first conversation.’

Domenico Tedesco is the new head coach of our Devils. Good luck, coach! 🤝🇧🇪 #DEVILTIME pic.twitter.com/KeHHPbVpB3

— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) February 8, 2023

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The Italian has previously held managerial positions at RB Leipzig, Spartak Moscow, and Schalke. In May of last year, he and the German club Leipzig won the DFB-Pokal.

Further information on Tedesco, provided by the Belgian FA, claimed that he ‘is known as a modern coach with top-level international experience, who likes to play an offensive style of football with plenty of forward pressure.’

The FA claim that ‘his mission is to qualify the Belgian Red Devils for the EURO 2024 in Germany.’

His first qualifying match in charge of the Red Devils will take place on March 24th in Stockholm against Sweden.

Ever since Roberto Martinez left as head coach of Belgium following their World Cup defeat, the country has been looking for a replacement.

The Red Devils were knocked out of the World Cup in the group phase, bringing the curtain down on Martinez’s time in charge of the side.

The Spaniard announced that the Croatia game would be his last in a tearful address at the post-match press conference.

‘It was really difficult to get the message that I was going to stop,’ Martinez said. ‘To you, but certainly to the players.

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Portugal has confirmed the appointment of former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez, who replaces Fernando Santos as head coach of the national team.

Santos was fired after Portugal’s disappointing performance at the World Cup, which ended in a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Morocco. The camp had been marred by negative press and rumours of unrest in the team, and Cristiano Ronaldo had been benched and had a falling-out with Santos.

Martinez himself had a World Cup to forget with Belgium, who failed to even make it out of the group stage and also had a crisis within the squad – with the Spaniard criticised for struggling to make the most of his talented group during his six-year tenure with the side.

The former Everton manager is now looking forward to a new beginning with Portugal, who welcomed him as their “new leader at service.”

‘I appreciate the enthusiasm and ambition with which he (Martinez) received the invitation,’ FPF President Fernando Gomes told a news conference as Martinez stood next to him. ‘This is an important moment for the national team.’

Martinez‘ first task will be to help a deflated side regroup after their difficult tournament in Qatar and put their focus into winning Euro 2024, which is set to be held in Germany.

He will also be looking to speak with captain Ronaldo after his turbulent few weeks in Qatar where he is reported to have irked teammates over his attitude and threatened to leave their camp after being dropped by Santos.

Now at Al-Nassr, Ronaldo will be weighing up whether he will play for Portugal again and sorting out his future should be a huge port of call for Martinez.

Martinez stood down after Belgium were eliminated from the World Cup after they were held to a 0-0 draw against Croatia – with his team needing to win the game to have any chance of progessing.

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‘That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional as you can imagine,’ he said at the time. ‘I always work towards long-term projects and they need to be set in advance. That was always the plan.

He explained more about his decision to leave this month, saying he ‘couldn’t control all the emotions anymore’ as he revealed he told the players he was leaving before their final game against Croatia.

‘It was really difficult to get the message that I was going to stop,’ Martinez said.

‘To you, but certainly to the players. I had never done it before and hope I never have to do it again. I couldn’t control all the emotions anymore.’

Portugal fans may be concerned about Martinez’s ability to keep the dressing room together after reports of a feud in the squad during the World Cup.

There were claims that Belgium players flew home separately from Qatar at their own expense after rumours of in-fighting and leaks.

During his time as Belgium’s national coach, Martinez led the nation to their best World Cup finish, placing third in Russia in 2018.

Belgium suffered a quarter-final exit at Euro 2020 to eventual champions Italy, before leading the team at the World Cup in Qatar.

Despite entering the competition as FIFA’s second-ranked squad in the world, Martinez oversaw a disastrous campaign in which Belgium crashed out in the group stages after losing 2-0 to Morocco and just barely defeating Canada.

He began his managing career in 2007 with Swansea City, where he received praise for his dynamic possession-based style of play. In 2009, he moved on to manage Wigan Athletic. While the Lactics were demoted the following year, he faced relegation numerous times before securing an amazing FA Cup victory over Man City in 2013.

In his debut season with Everton, he finished in fifth place. However, he could only manage 11th the next year, and in 2015–16, his team was still in the middle of the table when he was fired in May.

Martinez was unexpectedly appointed as Belgium’s manager in 2016, but many observers and fans have questioned why he did not do more with a team that was stacked with talented players at the time, including Kevin de Bruyne, Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku, Thibaut Courtois, and Toby Alderweireld.

He has recently been connected to the Club Brugge position, but he decided to continue with managing the national team instead, with his old assistant Thierry Henry in line to succeed him.

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Belgium captain Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 31 after Belgium’s dismal group stage exit at the World Cup.

Ahead of the 2024 European Championships and the 2026 World Cup that will follow, the 31-year-old has decided against participating in another qualification round.

Days after Belgium was eliminated from the group stage in Qatar, Hazard announced his 14-year international retirement and is now solely focused on revitalizing his Real Madrid career.

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The football player took to his social media page to make the announcement. The decision was reportedly made after his nation’s elimination from the tournament following a 0-0 draw with Croatia on matchday three.

On his retirement, Hazard wrote: “A page turns today… Thank you for your love. Thank you for your unparalleled support. Thank you for all this happiness shared since 2008. I have decided to put an end to my international career. “The succession is ready. I will miss you….”

 

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With his statement, Hazard ends a career that spanned 126 international appearances from 2008 to 2022, scoring 33 goals throughout that time.

The 31-year-old’s announcement marks the beginning of the end of Belgium’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’, as manager Roberto Martinez announced he would be leaving his post immediately after Belgium’s group stage exit.

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Following the unexpected World Cup elimination of Belgium, Roberto Martinez has announced he will step down as manager of the Red Devils.

Second in the FIFA world rankings when it arrived in Qatar, Belgium was eliminated in the group stage behind Morocco and Croatia. A 0-0 draw with Croatia on Thursday effectively sealed their fate.

Martinez had been evasive about his future after the game, telling reporters that “now is not the moment” to talk about it before subsequently confirming his resignation.

“That was my last game with the national team and it was emotional as you can imagine,” he said.

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With players like Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne, and Romelu Lukaku towards the latter stages of their careers, Belgium’s so-called Golden Generation appears to have come to an end with the team’s elimination from the World Cup.

Martinez emphasized that the Golden Generation was still making a difference off the field even though they might not be playing together for much longer.

“You see players like Youri Tielemans, you’ve got players like Jeremy Doku,” he said.

“The golden generation is doing something that is bringing the next generation on. It’s not only what they’re doing on the pitch. The legacy can be left in many ways.

“Today we are out of a good tournament and now the standards need to carry on rising.”

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