The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the nominees for the 2024 The Best FIFA Football Awards, honouring exceptional performances in men’s and women’s football over the past year. Among the esteemed shortlist are three Nigerians—Ademola Lookman, William Troost–Ekong, and Asisat Oshoala—whose remarkable achievements continue to place African excellence on the global stage.
Ademola, who finished 14th in this year’s Ballon d’Or rankings, is in the Best Attacker category. The forward finds himself competing with an elite group of global football icons, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, and Barcelona’s rising star Lamine Yamal.
Defensive powerhouse William has been nominated for Best Defender. His formidable skill on the field places him among football’s finest, alongside Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger, Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
In the women’s category, Asisat Oshoala continues her legacy. She’s been nominated for the newly introduced FIFA Marta Award, which celebrates the best goal in women’s football worldwide.
This recognition comes on the heels of another milestone for these Nigerian stars. Earlier this year, Ademola and William were shortlisted for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award, further solidifying their influence both in Africa and on the global stage.
Fans have a say in the 2024 FIFA Best awards, with votes weighted equally alongside those of national team captains, coaches, and media representatives. Voting is open until 10 December 2024 on FIFA’s official website.
See the full list below:
The Best FIFA Women’s Player Nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit
The Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen
The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain
The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club
