Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe were among those nominated to the Best FIFA Men’s XI of 2022 on Monday.
A plethora of stars were on show at the award show in Paris, with several accolades handed out during the evening.
Three defenders made the team, alongside four midfielders and four forwards.
Also in the team were Manchester City‘s Kevin de Bruyne and Liverpool‘s Virgil van Dijk.
The selection was chosen by players themselves.
Men’s BEST voting results in full
Lionel Messi – 52 points
Kylian Mbappe – 44 points
Karim Benzema – 34 points
Luka Modric – 28 points
Erling Haaland – 24 points
Sadio Mane – 19 points
Julian Alvarez – 17 points
Achraf Hakimi – 15 points
Neymar – 13 points
Kevin de Bruyne – 10 points
Vinicius Jr – 10 points
Robert Lewandowski – 7 points
Jude Bellingham – 3 points
Mohamed Salah – 2 points
Messi, who won the men’s player award, concluded an immensely successful year that saw him captain Argentina to World Cup glory with his selection. He was named up front with PSG team-mate Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final for runners up France.
Haaland, who has scored a record 27 Premier League goals for Man City this season already after joining in the summer, was also up front, alongside Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
In midfield, De Bruyne made the list after winning another Premier League title, alongside Champions League winner Luka Modric.
Man United star Casemiro, who also won the Champions League with Real Madrid last season but has helped transform his new side’s fortunes in the Premier League, is the third midfielder named.
In defence, Bayern Munich star Joao Cancelo, who recently moved to Germany from Man City, was named, alongside Van Dijk, who helped Liverpool to a domestic double and the Champions League final last season.
PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, who helped Monaco to a historic World Cup semi-final, completed the defence. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtiois was the goalkeeper.
It was also a historic night for the Lionesses, with Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Kiera Walsh and Beth Mead all gaining recognition, while manager Sarina Wiegman won women’s coach of the year.
source: www.dailymail.co.uk
