Today, FIFA is handing out its annual "The Best" awards, sportal.bg reported.
These are the second most prestigious awards after the "Ballon d'Or". For the last two years, Lionel Messi has been the world's Footballer of the Year. The Argentine is nominated for the award this year as well, after not being included in the "Ballon d'Or" list, as he no longer plays in Europe.
FIFA will hand out awards for the best male and female footballer of the year. Awards will also be given for the best coach, best goalkeeper and most beautiful goal. The ceremony will be broadcast for free on the FIFA website and can be watched HERE or on the FIFA YouTube page. The award is voted for by national team captains, journalists, coaches and fans, with each vote representing 25% of the vote.
The ceremony began with a short speech by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who said that if “you want to know who is the best in the world”, FIFA should decide. However, he will have a hard time convincing people that the ninth edition of these awards has more value than the “Ballon d'Or”, which has been awarded since 1956.
The first award of the evening went to Alejandro Garnacho, who won the “Puskas” award for the most beautiful goal of the year. The Manchester United player was honored for his magnificent goal against Everton. The award was announced on stage by Alessandro Del Piero, and Garnacho thanked with a video message.
Several awards in women's football were then handed out. The winner of the “Golden Ball” Aaytana Bonmati was awarded “Best Female Footballer” of the year. The Spain and Barcelona midfielder wins the award for the second year in a row. Brazilian legend Marta won an award that bears her name - for the most beautiful goal in women's football.
The Women's Coach of the Year award went to Emma Hayes, who took over the US national team three months before the Paris Olympics and led the team to gold medals. The Best Goalkeeper award went to American Alyssa Neyre.
Unlike the “Golden Ball” award, where Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony, the president of the “Whites” Florentino Perez attended today's celebration. According to some reports, Vinicius Junior has already been notified that he has won the award.