UEFA will announce its Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year for 2023 on Thursday, August 31. The winners will be crowned as part of the 2023/24 Champions League group-stage draw ceremony.
Lionel Messi is in the running for the men’s prize after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory and collecting another Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain before moving on to Inter Miami.
Messi would pull level with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo if he wins the prize for the third time, but he has Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne for company after the pair’s starring role in Manchester City’s 2022/23 treble-winning campaign.
Alexia Putellas’ two-year reign as the women’s winner will come to an end, but two fellow Spanish World Cup winners are in contention to succeed her.
Aitana Bonmati excelled with the all-conquering Barcelona side before starring alongside Olga Carmona, the World Cup final match-winner, who is also nominated. Australia and Chelsea star Sam Kerr is also in contention for the big prize.
Below are two sets of nominees, the initial shortlist of players selected by the UEFA technical study group, and a full list of previous winners.
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