Aitana Bonmatí said she was “proud” to be part of a generation of women “changing the game and the world” as the Spain World Cup star claimed the title of the Best Fifa women’s player for 2023 at a star-studded award ceremony in London.
Lionel Messi was awarded the men’s prize for the third time, however, the highlight of the evening was the celebration of the women’s game and Bonmatí receiving her prize. The Spanish and Barcelona player expressed nostalgia for 2023 and was the only one to allude to the Luis Rubiales scandal that affected the Women’s World Cup final.
“I recently felt a longing for a remarkable and one-of-a-kind year, but now, receiving this award at the start of the new year, I feel an immense sense of pride,” said Bonmatí. “I credit this achievement to Barça and the national team, as well as our exceptional season. I want to express my gratitude to my teammates – without all of you, I wouldn’t be standing here today. I am also incredibly proud to be part of a strong generation of women who are making a difference in the sport and the world.”
Messi narrowly beat out Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for the men’s award. Both players had 48 points in Fifa’s scoring system, but Messi ultimately won due to the votes from national team captains. Several awards highlighted the dominance of English football in both the women’s and men’s divisions.
Although the top players received awards in other countries, the exceptional coaches in women’s and men’s soccer were announced as Sarina Weigman and Pep Guardiola. England and Manchester City players were prominent in the World XIs selected by current professionals, with seven Lionesses (including Mary Earps, who also won the award for best women’s goalkeeper) in the women’s Fifpro team and six City stars in the men’s team.
Wiegman, who was named best women’s coach for the second consecutive year after leading England to the World Cup final, said she was “very privileged and humbled that I’m here again I’d like to thanks everyone involved in the big performances with England and the FA for the big support”, adding: “Thanks to all the players who came off the back of the Euros and the Finalissima to the World Cup. Lots of things were thrown in front of us and we did really well.”
Guardiola expressed his joy at achieving the treble with City and made sure to commend his team for their contributions. He extended his gratitude to the players for their unwavering dedication over the years, stating that it has been an absolute privilege to work with them.
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At the event, other honors were given, including a lifetime achievement award presented to Marta. Additionally, a new award for the top goal in women’s football will now be named after the renowned Brazilian player.
The top highlight from men’s soccer was when Guilherme Madruga scored a 25-yard overhead kick for Botafogo. The most dedicated fan was Hugo Iniguez, a supporter of Colon de Santa Fe who was captured on camera feeding his son in the stadium. Iniguez made the trip to London to accept his award with his son by his side, though the child quickly became emotional and was returned to his mother.
Source: theguardian.com
