The excitement is building as we approach the 2023 FIFA Best Awards, and the list of nominees for this year’s edition has been unveiled. Let’s dive into the star-studded lineup of contenders, surprises, and notable omissions in the categories of Women’s Player of the Year, Women’s Coach of the Year, and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
Women’s Player of the Year
The Women’s Player of the Year category is brimming with talent from across the globe. England’s representation in the nominees includes Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, and Keira Walsh. These gifted athletes have made significant contributions to their respective clubs, and their presence on this list is well-deserved.
Sarina Wiegman, the mastermind behind England’s journey to the Women’s World Cup final, is shortlisted for Coach of the Year, alongside Chelsea’s Emma Hayes. Their tactical prowess and leadership have not gone unnoticed.
Spain, fresh from their World Cup triumph, boasts nominees Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso, and Salma Paralluelo. These players showcased their skills on the grandest stage, leaving a lasting impression.
England’s Mary Earps, known for her incredible saves and shot-stopping abilities, is among the contenders for Best Goalkeeper. Her presence in the list reflects her consistent excellence in front of the net.
Interestingly, Spain’s Alexia Putellas, who has claimed the Women’s Player of the Year title for the past two editions, is absent from this year’s nominations. It seems the field is wide open for a new champion.
Women’s Coach of the Year
The race for Women’s Coach of the Year is equally fierce. Peter Gerhardsson from the Sweden national team, Jonatan Giraldez from Barcelona, Tony Gustavsson from the Australia national team, Emma Hayes from Chelsea, and Sarina Wiegman from the England national team are vying for this prestigious accolade. Each coach has shown remarkable leadership and expertise, making this category one to watch.
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
In the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category, we see some remarkable talent. Mackenzie Arnold from Australia’s West Ham, Ann-Katrin Berger from Germany’s Chelsea, Catalina Coll from Spain’s Barcelona, Mary Earps from England’s Man Utd, Christiane Endler from Chile’s Lyon, Zecira Musovic from Sweden’s Chelsea, and Sandra Panos from Spain’s Barcelona complete the list. These goalkeepers have demonstrated incredible reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, making them vital assets to their teams.
Notably, the absence of Spain’s Jorge Vilda from the Coach of the Year category is a topic of discussion. Vilda, who led Spain’s triumphant World Cup-winning side, has been left out, possibly due to the ongoing Luis Rubiales scandal. Rubiales’s resignation as president of the Spanish football federation following a controversial incident at the World Cup final presentation ceremony has added intrigue to this year’s awards.
The nominees for the women’s awards were selected by a panel of football experts, including the legendary two-time United States World Cup winner Mia Hamm. Now, the voting process for the eighth annual FIFA Best Awards is open, with national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans all having their say. The anticipation is building, and the winners will be revealed in due course. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting awards ceremony!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about 2023 FIFA Best Awards Nominees
Who are the notable nominees for the 2023 FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year?
England’s Rachel Daly, Alex Greenwood, Lauren James, and Keira Walsh are among the standout nominees, along with Spain’s Aitana Bonmati, Jenni Hermoso, and Salma Paralluelo.
Which coaches are competing for the FIFA Best Women’s Coach of the Year award?
The Coach of the Year category features Peter Gerhardsson (Sweden national team), Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona), Tony Gustavsson (Australia national team), Emma Hayes (Chelsea), and Sarina Wiegman (England national team).
Who are the contenders for the FIFA Best Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year?
The Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year category includes Mackenzie Arnold (Australia/West Ham), Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany/Chelsea), Catalina Coll (Spain/Barcelona), Mary Earps (England/Man Utd), Christiane Endler (Chile/Lyon), Zecira Musovic (Sweden/Chelsea), and Sandra Panos (Spain/Barcelona).
Why is Spain’s Jorge Vilda not nominated for Coach of the Year?
Jorge Vilda, who led Spain’s World Cup-winning team, is notably absent from the Coach of the Year nominations, possibly due to the ongoing Luis Rubiales scandal and controversy surrounding his resignation as president of the Spanish football federation.
Who selected the nominees for the women’s awards?
The nominees for the women’s awards were chosen by a panel of football experts, including the renowned two-time United States World Cup winner Mia Hamm.
How can I participate in the voting process for the FIFA Best Awards?
Voting for the eighth annual FIFA Best Awards is open to national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans. You can cast your vote on Fifa.com, with voting closing in mid-October.
More about 2023 FIFA Best Awards Nominees
- 2023 FIFA Best Awards Nominees: Official FIFA page with information on the awards and nominees.
- Women’s World Cup Final: Details on the Women’s World Cup final, which played a role in the nominations.
- Luis Rubiales Scandal: Coverage of the Luis Rubiales scandal leading to his resignation.
- Mia Hamm: Profile of Mia Hamm, one of the football experts involved in selecting the nominees.