On Monday, FIFA revealed the finalists for the FIFA Football Awards. Of all the categories, fans eagerly awaited the three-man shortlists for The Best Men’s Player and Coach prizes.
First, the finalists for the coaching accolade were announced and it came as little surprise to see Didier Deschamps get a nod. After guiding France to the World Cup, he became the obvious favorite to win this award.
The Frenchman will face stiff competition from countryman Zinedine Zidane, the reigning holder who is in the race after winning a third consecutive Champions Leauge final. The last name on this list is Dalic Zlatko, the tactician who surprised everyone and led Croatia to a runner-up finish at the 2018 World Cup.
As for The Best Men’s Player, Cristiano Ronaldo is nominated once again and looks to clinch this award for the third year running. The Portuguese superstar was at the heart of Los Blancos’ third straight European success and performed well in Russia for his national side.
Luka Modric has also been nominated for this prize not too long after beating Ronaldo to UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year award. His World Cup heroics propelled his chances of triumphing, having won the Golden Ball in the summer tournament.
Finalists: #TheBest FIFA Men's Player Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
@Cristiano
@lukamodric10
@MoSalah
#FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/L1ckRiZTv6
Mohamed Salah was the last name in a three-man shortlist identical to UEFA’s one. This means five-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi has been snubbed for this award as well, a move that will not go down well with many.
The finalists for all the other FIFA Football Awards categories were announced. Check out below for the candidates.
The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award
Finalists: #TheBest Women’s Player Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
@AdaStolsmo
Dzsenifer Maroszan
Marta#FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/HlzCKpLWFI
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Award
Finalists: #TheBest Women’s Coach Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
@ReynaldPedros
Asako Takakura
Sarina Wiegman#FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/NsgkWeUfkg
The Best FIFA Goalkeeper Award
Finalists: #TheBest FIFA Goalkeeper Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
@thibautcourtois
Hugo Lloris
@kschmeichel1#FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/qj7bWQ2RfI
FIFA Puskas Award
Finalists: FIFA #Puskas Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
Bale
Cheryshev
Christodoulopoulos
Ronaldo
De Arrascaeta
McGree
Messi
Pavard
Quaresma
Salah #TheBest #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/IUTzYtfSrU
FIFA Fan Award
Finalists: FIFA Fan Award
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) September 3, 2018
Sebastián Carrera (@DPMChile)
@jfa_samuraiblue and @FootballSenegal supporters
@SeleccionPeru supporters#TheBest #FIFAFootballAwards pic.twitter.com/xE7JAPDNOg