Ronaldo, Messi & Van Dijk Make Final FIFA The Best Shortlist.
The 10-man shortlist for The Best Fifa Men’s Player 2019 award was announced on 31 July, and it has now been cut down to the final three contenders.
The award is based on achievements during the period from 16 July 2018 to 19 July 2019, with the initial 10-man shortlist being compiled by a panel of experts.
Voting was then opened to four voting panels, made up fans, journalists, national coaches, and coaches, who voted for their top three.
On Monday, Fifa announced the three finalists, namely Virgil van Dijk, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Best Fifa awards in full
Men’s player
Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Portugal), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands).
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The FIFA Women’s player
Lucy Bronze (Lyon/England), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/USA), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC/USA)
The Men’s coach
Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham).
The Women’s coach
Jill Ellis (USA), Phil Neville (England), Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands)
Women’s goalkeeper
Christiane Endler (Paris St-Germain/Chile), Hedvig Lindahl (Wolfsburg/Sweden), Sari van Veenendaal (Atletico Madrid/Netherlands).
The Men’s goalkeeper
Alisson (Liverpool/Brazil), Ederson (Manchester City/Brazil), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona/Germany)
Puskas award (for best goal)
Lionel Messi (Barcelona v Real Betis), Juan Quintero (River Plate v Racing Club), Daniel Zsori (Debrecen v Ferencvaros)
All winners will be announced during the Fifa awards gala on 23 September in Milan, Italy.
