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•Bonmati wins female plague
UEFA announced its Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year for 2023 at the 2023/24 Champions League group-stage draw ceremony.
Lionel Messi was once again in the running for the men’s prize and aiming to pull level with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo by clinching the award for the third time, after inspiring Argentina to World Cup glory and collecting another Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain before moving on to Inter Miami.
However, both he and fellow nominee Kevin De Bruyne lost out to Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker had a sensational debut campaign in England in 2022/23, helping Manchester City to a first ever Champions League crown and treble.
Haaland racked up 52 goals in 53 appearances across all competitions, with 12 in 11 in Europe’s premier club competition.
Alexia Putellas’ two-year reign as the women’s winner came to an end, but to a fellow Spanish World Cup winner succeeded her.
Aitana Bonmati took the award, which quickly followed her Golden Ball prize at the World Cup earlier this month, where she struck three goals and assisted two more.
Bonmati excelled with the all-conquering Barcelona side last season before starring alongside Olga Carmona, the World Cup final match-winner, who was also nominated for UEFA’s award. Australia and Chelsea star Sam Kerr rounded out the contenders.
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.
