Winners gather on stage with FIFA president Gianni Infantino (7th,L) during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
LONDON, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- Argentine superstar Lionel Messi retained the best FIFA men's player award here on Monday, two months after he claimed the Ballon d'Or.
The 36-year-old was absent from the ceremony held in London, while Pep Guardiola, who coached Messi at Barcelona, showed up to collect the trophy for the men's best coach.
The Spaniard steered Manchester City to the Premier League title, the FA Cup and a first Champions League last season. The treble also gave bonuses to many Man City players, as Ederson received the goalkeeper award, and six of the Brazilian's club teammates were named in the men's team of the year.
Besides, England manager Sarina Wiegman was crowned the women's best coach while Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati added the women's best player award to her women's Ballon d'Or.
Marta has been honored with the FIFA Special Award for her outstanding career achievements. The 37-year-old Brazilian scored 17 goals in 23 matches at six World Cup tournaments. She was recognized as the world's best female player six times. ■
Pep Guardiola, coach of Manchester City FC, and his wife arrive at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Awards show host and former French football player Thierry Henry reacts on stage after collecting the men's best player award on behalf of Argentina forward Lionel Messi during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives women's best player award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Nan)
Sarina Wiegman, coach of England Women's National Team, wins women's best coach award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Awards show host and former French football player Thierry Henry reacts on stage after collecting the men's best player award on behalf of Argentina forward Lionel Messi during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Former Brazilian football player Marta arrives at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Guilherme Madruga of Brazil wins the FIFA Puskas Award (best goal) during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola receives men's best coach award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Former Brazilian football player Marta wins the special award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Mary Earps (England/Manchester United) wins women's best goalkeeper award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Former Brazilian football player Roberto Carlos arrives at the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Chung/Xinhua)
Manchester City's coach Pep Guardiola receives men's best coach award during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2023 in London, Britain, Jan. 15, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhou Nan)
