UEFA has unveiled the top three nominees for the prestigious Men’s Player of the Year award for the 2022–23 season, with notable football talent Vinicius Jr. missing from the list. The shortlist was carefully curated by the UEFA technical study group, taking into consideration the players’ exceptional performances for their clubs and national teams throughout the season.
The three exceptional footballers who have emerged as the top contenders for the award are Lionel Messi, the World Cup winner; Erling Haaland, the Premier League’s top scorer; and Kelvin De Bruyne, a key figure in a treble-winning campaign.
Despite an impressive season with Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr. did not secure a spot in the top three nominees announced by UEFA. The Brazilian dynamo showcased his prowess on the field, amassing a notable track record of 10 goals and 10 assists in 33 LaLiga appearances, along with seven goals and five assists in the Champions League.
In contrast, Erling Haaland’s remarkable season shone through with 36 goals and eight assists in 35 Premier League matches for Manchester City. He also secured the coveted top scorer award in the Champions League, netting an impressive 12 goals.
Kevin De Bruyne, instrumental in Manchester City’s treble triumph, demonstrated his versatility with seven goals and 18 assists in 32 appearances. He further showcased his skill in the Champions League with two goals and seven assists.
Lionel Messi, a true icon of the sport, had a stellar season contributing to Argentina’s World Cup victory with seven goals and three assists. Additionally, his impact in Ligue 1 for Paris Saint-Germain included 16 goals and 16 assists, with four goals and four assists in the Champions League.
The official Twitter handle of UEFA shared, “NOMINEES of the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year 2022/23 are Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Lionel Messi. All #UEFAawards winners will be announced at the #UCLdraw on 31 August.”
The winner of this prestigious award will be revealed during the UEFA Champions League group stage draw event on August 31, 2023, held at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. This accolade celebrates the extraordinary contributions of these football maestros to the sport during the 2022–23 season.
