The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has awarded Norwegian star Erling Haaland, the striker for Manchester City, the title of the World’s Best Player for 2023.
He triumphed over American Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and Paris Saint-Germain’s Kylian Mbappé.
Haaland’s remarkable achievements this year include winning the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the English FA Cup. Additionally, he scored an impressive 50 goals in the calendar year of 2023.
These accomplishments earned Haaland a total of 209 points, surpassing Kylian Mbappé’s 105 points and Lionel Messi’s 85 points, marking the first time Haaland has received this prestigious accolade in his career.
The IFFHS established the World’s Best Player award in 1988, with Marco van Basten (1988 and 1989) and Lothar Matthäus (1990) being the first three recipients before the award was integrated into FIFA’s recognitions.
Since 2020, the IFFHS has once again independently recognized the world’s best football players, with Robert Lewandowski winning in 2020 and 2021, and Lionel Messi taking the title in 2022.
Erling Haaland’s recognition as the World’s Best Player of 2023 by the IFFHS highlights his extraordinary talent and contribution to football this year.
His remarkable performance has not only brought glory to his club but has also solidified his position as a leading figure in the world of football.
