FIFA’s The Best awards once again saw Lionel Messi emerge victorious. Despite tying in points with Erling Haaland, the Inter Miami star got the upper hand for having more first-choice nominations by national team captains (though that was not the case for Casemiro).
Those who also had a say in choosing the winner were fans, journalists, and coaches. In the case of Brazil, Fernando Diniz had the task of selecting his favorites while holding the managerial role, a position that now belongs to Dorival Júnior.
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Diniz’s votes: Messi in first place and no Brazilians
To the surprise of many, the former coach of the Selecao did not choose any players from his country among his top three choices. Diniz voted Messi in first place, Kevin De Bruyne in second place, and named Haaland as his third choice. The first vote gives five points, the second grants three, and the third vote only one point.
OS REPRESENTANTES DA AMARELINHA! 🇧🇷 Os votos de Casemiro e Fernando Diniz, respectivamente capitão e técnico da Seleção Brasileira (na época), no #TheBest 2023 da FIFA. pic.twitter.com/bFW2WKOqGM
— TNT Sports BR (@TNTSportsBR) January 15, 2024
Brazil had no representatives among the top 12 in the category for the best male player of the year, but it had presence at the gala held in London. Ederson won as the best goalkeeper of 2023, the Brazilian national team was given a prize for fair play, while there was recognition for Marta and the late Zagallo for their legacies.
