The official list of nominees for the 2024 ‘The Best’ Men’s Player have been unveiled online.
And dominating the final shortlist are players from Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid squad…
Remarkably, of the 11 candidates to secure the prize – handed out to football’s standout performer on an annual basis by FIFA – six spent either last season of the current campaign plying their club trade at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The players in question come in the form of Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.
Also up for the accolade is Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal, as well as Blaugrana legend Lionel Messi.
And rounding out the shortlist are Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Erling Haaland – both of Manchester City – as well as Bayer Leverkusen talent Florian Wirtz.
The winner of ‘The Best’ award for 2024 will be announced at a high-profile gala in January of next year.
Conor Laird – GSFN