The ten-man shortlist for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2019 award– based on their respective achievements during the period from 16 July 2018 to 19 July 2019 inclusive – was compiled by a panel of experts in men’s football.
Voting to decide the winner took place from 31 July to 19 August 2019and was equally weighted between fans, journalists, national team coaches, and captains.
The three finalists for each award were revealed in an event at the San Siro stadium in Milan on Monday 2 September, with all award winners revealed at The Best FIFA Football Awards show in Milan on 23 September.
THE FINALISTS
Cristiano Ronaldo
Helped Juventus win Serie A and named league’s Most Valuable Player. Finished as club’s top goalscorer in all competitions & won Italian Super Cup. Helped Portugal win UEFA Nations League as top goalscorer in the Nations League Finals.
Lionel Messi
Won La Liga, helped the side to UEFA Champions League semi-final and Copa del Rey final. Claimed European Golden Shoe as continent’s top goalscorer, was La Liga’s top assist-maker. Helped Argentina to bronze at 2019 Copa America.
Virgil van Dijk
Won UEFA Champions League. Named PFA Players’ Player and Premier League Player of the Year. Helped Netherlands to UEFA Nations League final.
THE OTHER CANDIDATES
Frenkie de Jong
Won domestic league and cup double. Reached semi-finals of UEFA Champions League. Named Eredivisie Player of the Season.
Matthijs de Ligt
Won domestic league and cup double. Reached semi-finals of UEFA Champions League. Named in Eredivisie and UEFA Champions League squads of the season.
Harry Kane
Helped Tottenham Hotspur reach their first UEFA Champions League final. Scored 17 Premier League goals in 28 appearances for Spurs. UEFA Nations League semi-finalist with England.
Eden Hazard
Won UEFA Europa League with Chelsea. Club’s top goalscorer in all competitions. Named PFA Fans’ Player of the Year.
Sadio Mane
Won UEFA Champions League. Joint top-scorer in Premier League. Helped Senegal to CAF Africa Cup of Nations final.
Kylian Mbappe
Helped side win Ligue 1 and Trophee des Champions. Club’s top goalscorer in all competitions in 2018/19. Ligue 1 top goalscorer, named league’s Player of the Year.
Mohamed Salah
Won UEFA Champions League. Club’s top goalscorer in all competitions in 2018/19. Joint top-scorer in Premier League.
