Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe have been named in the best FIFA XI at the Paris awards… with Kevin de Bruyne, Virgil van Dijk and Casemiro also earning a place in the squad.
- Messi was the star of the team after receiving the men’s award on Monday
- Four Premier League players were named in the squad at the Paris ceremony
- The list also includes three Real Madrid players following their European success
Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe were among those named in FIFA’s best men’s XI for 2022 on Monday.
A host of stars turned out at the awards show in Paris, with several accolades handed out during the night.
Three defenders made the team, alongside four midfielders and four forwards.
Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk were also in the squad.
The selection was chosen by the players themselves.
A number of global stars were in attendance in Paris for the Best FIFA Awards on Monday night
Virgil van Dijk (left), Lionel Messi (centre) and Kylian Mbappe (right) all named in FIFA Men’s XI
Messi completed a monumental return to the top of football’s accolades by winning the best male player
Messi, who won the men’s player award, capped off a hugely successful year that saw him captain Argentina to World Cup glory with his selection.
He was named up front with PSG team-mate Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final for second-placed France.
Haaland, who has scored a record 27 Premier League goals for Manchester City this season already after joining in the summer, was also up front, along with Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema.
In midfield, De Bruyne made the list after winning another Premier League title alongside Champions League winner Luka Modric.
Man United star Casemiro, who also won the Champions League with Real Madrid last season but helped turn around his new club’s Premier League fortunes, is the third midfielder to be named.
Man United midfielder Casemiro was named in the squad a day after winning the Carabao Cup
England coach Sarina Wigman won the best women’s coach
In defence, Bayern Munich star Joao Cancelo, who recently moved to Germany from Manchester City, has been named, along with Van Dijk, who helped Liverpool to a domestic double and the Champions League final last season.
PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi, who helped Monaco to a historic World Cup semi-final, rounded out the defence.
Real Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtier was the goalkeeper.
It was also a historic night for the Lionesses, with Mary Earps, Lucy Bronze, Leah Williamson, Kiera Walsh and Beth Mead earning recognition, while Sarina Wiegman won Women’s Coach of the Year.