Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Carvajal Nominated for FIFA's The Best Award

Rodrigo Hernández, Ballon d'Or 2024, Lamine Yamal, the world's best footballer under 21, and Dani Carvajal, also a European champion with the Spanish national team in Germany, are among the 11 nominees for FIFA's The Best award, alongside Vinicius, Kylian Mbappé for his past season at PSG, and Leo Messi, winner of the trophy in the last two editions. In the women's category, Aitana Bonmatí, double Ballon d'Or, is the favourite to claim the The Best trophy for the second consecutive year, recognising the most outstanding female footballer of the past season, with Spaniards Salma Paralluelo, Mariona Caldentey, and Ona Batlle also among the 16 candidates.

After Rodri narrowly defeated Vinicius by just 41 votes in the controversial Ballon d'Or, the Spanish midfielder from Manchester City aims to also conquer The Best in its ninth edition. So far, the award given by FIFA to the world's best footballer has only been won by four players: Messi, three times (2019, 2022, and 2023), Cristiano Ronaldo, twice (2016 and 2017), Robert Lewandowski, twice (2020 and 2021), and Luka Modric (2018).

This year, in addition to Rodri, Lamine Yamal, Carvajal, Vinicius, Mbappé, and Messi, the list of contenders also includes Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, the retired Toni Kroos, Erling Haaland, and Florian Wirth. Unlike the Ballon d'Or, decided by journalists representing France Football, The Best is chosen by the captains and coaches of all FIFA-affiliated national teams, as well as journalists and fans.

This year, the votes of fans and media will carry the same weight as those of the captains and coaches, and for the first time, fans will also be able to vote for FIFA's The Best men's and women's eleven. The voting period on FIFA.com is now open and will close on Tuesday, December 10.

Spanish football also stands out with nominations for Luis de la Fuente, Pep Guardiola, and Xavi Alonso for best male coach, alongside Carlo Ancelotti and Lionel Scaloni; and Jonatan Giráldez, former Barça coach now with Washington Spirit, in the female category. Also nominated for best goalkeeper of the 2023-2024 season are Unai Simón, David Raya, and Andriy Lunin.