The Best FIFA Awards 2022 LIVE! Results in full, reaction and updates as Lionel Messi picks up top prize

The Best FIFA Football Awards 2022 - LIVE!

Lionel Messi was name the best men’s player at The Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris, beating Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize. It came as no surprise, after Messi almost single-handedly at times dragged Argentina to World Cup glory at the end of last year. Mbappe’s Golden Boot was not enough to see him beat his PSG team-mate.

It is the second time Messi has picked up the award, having also done so in 2019. Robert Lewandowski has won in each of the last two years, but did not make the final shortlist this time.

Beth Mead was nominated for the main women’s award but, as was the case for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, she was beaten by Alexia Putellas, who defended her corwd. American striker Alex Morgan was also on the shortlist. There was success for the Lionesses elsewhere though, with Sarina Wiegman named the best women’s coach after leading England to the Euros on home soil. Mary Earps picked up the goalkeeper award for her role in that run.

FIFA Best Awards latest news

• Messi wins best men’s player award

• Putellas picks up women’s award again

• Williamson and Mead in Women’s World XI

• Wiegman wins Women’s Coach award

• List of award winners in full

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22:20 , Matt Verri

Lionel Messi was name the best men’s player at The Best FIFA Football Awards in Paris, beating Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema to the prize.

It came as no surprise, after Messi almost single-handedly at times dragged Argentina to World Cup glory at the end of last year. Mbappe’s Golden Boot was not enough to see him beat his PSG team-mate, while Ballon d’Or winner Benzema also missed out.

It is the second time that Messi has picked up the award, having also done so in 2019. Robert Lewandowski has won in each of the last two years, but did not make the final shortlist this time.

Beth Mead was nominated for the main women’s award but, as was the case for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, she was beaten by Alexia Putellas, who defended her corwd. American striker Alex Morgan was also on the shortlist.

There was success for the Lionesses elsewhere though, with Sarina Wiegman named the best women’s coach after leading England to the Euros on home soil. Mary Earps picked up the goalkeeper award for her role in that run.

Read our full report here

Lionesses on top!

22:00 , Matt Verri

Tonight’s winners

21:50 , Matt Verri

Best Fifa Men’s Player: Lionel Messi

Best Fifa Women’s Player: Alexia Putellas

Best Fifa Men’s Coach: Lionel Scaloni

Best Fifa Women’s Coach: Sarina Wiegman

Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez

Best Fifa Women’s Goalkeeper: Mary Earps

Fifa Puskas Award: Marcin Oleksy

Best Fans Award: Argentina supporters at World Cup

Messi wins the men’s player award!

21:40 , Matt Verri

There we go.

Don’t think even Mbappe and Benzema can argue with that. Infantino has declared him “officially” the best player in the world, so now it really is... official.

21:38 , Matt Verri

Slight delay, as we have a quick World Cup review. Infantino offers his commiserations to Mbappe, which I’m sure means a lot to the Frenchman.

Now - actually time for the men’s award.

21:36 , Matt Verri

Putellas says she didn’t plan a speech. Seems very lax considering her record of picking these up.

Time for the men’s award - Lionel Messi will win.

Got to go through a montage first though, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema also nominated. Messi will win though, did I mention that?

FIFA Women’s Player... Alexia Putellas

21:32 , Matt Verri

Putellas picks up another award! Handshakes from Mead and Morgan.

Infantino presenting this award, so it’s not all bad news for Mead.

21:31 , Matt Verri

Time for the serious business. Best women’s player of the year.

Beth Mead. Alexia Putellas. Alex Morgan.

Putellas seems to win every award ever, but we shall see.

21:26 , Matt Verri

Casemiro asked how much defensive work he’d have to do in that team. Doesn’t seem too bothered - mainly because it’s not real, I’d imagine.

Time for another musical performance, before we get to the main two awards of the night.

FIFA Men's World XI

21:20 , Matt Verri

Courtois; Hakimi, Van Dijk, Cancelo; Casemiro, Modric, De Bruyne; Mbappe, Messi, Benzema, Haaland.

Clearly there’s a secret rule that the goalkeeper awards have to be shared around. And I don’t know what’s going on with that defence...

21:14 , Matt Verri

Earps the goalkeeper of the year but not the goalkeeper in the team of the year. Hmmm.

Morgan, Mead and Putellas are three of the seven players in that team to be at the ceremony tonight. They will soon be going against each other for the main women’s award.

FIFA Women’s World XI

21:12 , Matt Verri

Endler; Bronze, Williamson, Renard, Leon; Walsh, Putellas, Oberdorf; Morgan, Kerr, Mead.

That’s a fairly decent team, I’d say. Would win a few matches.

21:08 , Matt Verri

Oh, he’s got a drum. He says he’s 82 (I think) as he lists his fan credentials. No need sir, you’ve already got the award.

Says this was the best World Cup win for Argentina he’s ever seen. Loving life. “I’m still poor but I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world.” Fair play.

No sign of him actually playing this drum, not sure if it’s just a prop he walks around with. Wearing a lovely bucket hat though.

HERE WE GO. Making an awful noise but the crowd are clapping along.

Fan Award... Argentina supporters!

21:05 , Matt Verri

Feels like we’re running out of ideas for awards now.

Well, we’re honouring some fans anyway. The award goes to... the Argentina fans at the World Cup!

One gentlemen has been nominated as chief Argentina fans, and he is on his way up to accept the award. He walks past Messi’s seat... no Messi all of a sudden.

Well that is devastating.

Fair Play Award goes to... Luka Lochoshvili!

21:01 , Matt Verri

Lochoshvili helped save the life of an opposition player, who had collapsed during a match. Thoroughly deserved too.

He joins by video call, so they’ll have to ship that award out to him.

20:58 , Matt Verri

Right, time for more awards. The Fair Play Award.

I would be somewhat surprised if we see Emi Martinez on stage for this one.

20:55 , Matt Verri

Scaloni really is giving thanks to everyone he’s ever met. Why not.

On we go - we’re going to have some sort of performance that also looks back at the World Cup. What a treat.

Get ready to look away, Kylian...

FIFA Men’s Coach.... Lionel Scaloni!

20:52 , Matt Verri

Thank goodness for that.

Don’t think that was ever in doubt. Brought the World Cup back to Argentina... don’t need to say much more than that.

Big hug from his children, and Lionel Messi, on his way up.

20:50 , Matt Verri

Everyone so far has commented on how heavy the awards are. Might want to look at that for next year, Mr Infantino.

Next up, men’s coach award. Ancelotti, Scaloni and Guardiola the three nominated.

I’ll run to Paris and complain myself if Scaloni doesn’t win it.

20:47 , Matt Verri

Wiegman pays tribute to those who have played their part in growing the women’s game, setting the stage for those shining today.

Also draws attention to the danger of that growth - “everyone has a responsibility that we are competing on the pitch and off the pitch we are a team.”

On the Euros win: “Stadiums were full, Wembley was full. So many families in the stadium and they were celebrating football. As the ladies say, we brought it home.” Correct.

FIFA Women’s Coach... Wiegman wins it!

20:45 , Matt Verri

Two from two for the Lionesses!

England have been absolutely sensational since Wiegman took over, and she has another piece of silverware to take home.

Next up... the World Cup.

20:43 , Matt Verri

Next up - women’s coach of the year.

Sarina Wiegman (England), Sonia Bompastor (Lyon) and Pia Sundhage (Brazil) are the three nominated.

Bring it home, Sarina...

20:41 , Matt Verri

Oleksy looks absolutely stunned to have won as he gives his victory speech. There we go, a big fist pump as they show the goal again.

Big smiles from Messi and Mbappe too, who very much enjoyed that strike.

Mbappe’s volley in the World Cup final made the initial Puskas shortlist, but was then cut. Sure he’ll get over it.

The Puskas Award goes to...

20:38 , Matt Verri

Marcin Oleksy! Should hope so too.

Outrageous finish, and he becomes the first amputee winner of the award. Special goal.

Puskas time!

20:36 , Matt Verri

Looks like it’s the Puskas Award next up.

There are 11 goals on the initial shortlist, but only three have made the cut for the final nominations.

Marcin Oleksy - Warta Poznan vs Stal Rzeszow, PZU Amp Futbol Ekstraklasa (November 6, 2022)

Dmitri Payet - Marseille vs PAOK Thessaloniki, Europa Conference League (April 7, 2022)

Richarlison - Brazil vs Serbia, World Cup (November 24, 2022)

Argentina friends...

20:33 , Matt Verri

And the winner is... Martinez!

20:32 , Matt Verri

No surprise there, Emi Martinez wins it! Take that back about the attendees, looks like Bounou is sat right next to him.

Never one to be particularly shy, is Martinez.

“It was a historic moment. We are all so proud to be Argentinians and win the World Cup.”

20:30 , Matt Verri

That was a lovely speech. Take not, Infantino.

On we go, and it’s time for the men’s goalkeeper award now. Martinez, Courtois and Bounou the three nominated.

Believe Martinez is the only one here tonight. Take from that what you will.

Earps pays tribute to Wiegman

20:28 , Matt Verri

“I feel really honoured to be holding this really heavy trophy.

“Thank you so much to my loved ones, who have picked me up off the kitchen floor to be here today. Not specifically tonight, but a few years ago.

“Team-mates, coaching staff at Man United and England. Sarina [Wiegman] - I run out of words to say thanks to you for the opportunity you have given me to chase my wildest dreams.

“This is for anyone who has ever been in a dark place. You can achieve anything you set your mind to. There’s only one of you in the world, and that’s more than enough.”

And the winner is... Mary Earps!

20:25 , Matt Verri

Didier Drogba the man walking out holding the trophy. A goalkeeping expert.

Anyway, here we go. The winner is Mary Earps!

First win of the night for the Lionneses - could be a couple more to come too!

20:23 , Matt Verri

He’s signing a version of Changes by David Bowie, while we pictures of Pele flicking through behind him. Very nice.

Marcia Aoki in tears in the audience during that performance.

Time for our first main award. Best women’s goalkeeper about to be crowned. England’s Mary Earps is up for it...

20:19 , Matt Verri

Carli Lloyd one of those now being interviewed and asked about Pele’s influence.

“When I grew up as a little girl playing soccer, I always heard about Pele. He ignited a boom in the United States for football. He had a huge impact on America and I’m very grateful and thankful for that.”

We’ll now have a performance from a Brazilian artist.

20:15 , Matt Verri

Pele’s wife Marcia Aoki is up, and it looks like she’ll be collecting something. Infantino picks up a trophy, passes it to Ronaldo, and he hands it to Marcia.

“A big honour to be here at this magnificent FIFA tribute. My three words are grateful, grateful and grateful. Merci.”

20:12 , Matt Verri

Ronaldo now up on stage. The Brazilian striker that is, Cristiano is busy watching boxing in Saudi Arabia.

He’s now paying tribute to Pele too, in Portuguese. Looked very emotional when he began.

Tributes paid to Pele

20:09 , Matt Verri

Infantino sends his love to Pele’s family, and we’ll now have a montage to reflect on what an incredible life the Brazilian lived.

Could spend the whole ceremony looking at some of his World Cup highlights, never mind everything else he achieved on and off the pitch.

“I never worried much about being famous.” Not sure famous does it justice.

20:05 , Matt Verri

You will not be surprised to hear Infantino is enjoying himself up there.

Mbappe less so. He has just strolled in and takes his time, shaking everyone’s hand on the way. He’s now sat down next to Messi.

Infantino reflects on the “best World Cup ever”, and looks ahead to the Women’s World Cup in the summer. England will fancy their chances in that.

And he’s done. On we go.

Up and running!

20:02 , Matt Verri

The ceremony is underway in Paris. Jermaine Jenas - yes, that one - is presenting. Got to respect it.

Giovanni Infantino will be giving a speech to get us up and running. How wonderful.

Hopefully today he’s feeling snappy.

New deal for Scaloni

19:58 , Matt Verri

Could be a very successful night for Lionel Scaloni, and the Argentina boss has got it off to a good start!

It’s been confirmed that he has signed a new contract, one that will keep him in charge through to the 2026 World Cup.

Fair to say that’s very much deserved.

Five minute warning!

19:54 , Matt Verri

Mbappe rivals Messi

19:51 , Matt Verri

Kylian Mbappe has also now walked in for the start of the ceremony. Would have been a bit rude if he hadn’t turned up for an event in Paris.

He’s up for main men’s award tonight, though it’s his PSG team-mate Lionel Messi who is set to win it.

We shall see.

Van Dijk in the building

19:43 , Matt Verri

Virgil van Dijk has arrived. Not nominated for any individual awards, but could be named in the World XI potentially.

Either that or he just fancies some time away from Liverpool and the club’s miserable form. I’d say there’s a decent chance it’s the latter.

Not long now!

19:34 , Matt Verri

Just under half an hour until the ceremony gets underway in Paris.

Expect a ridiculous amount of montages, plenty of waffling, some more montages and every so often, a couple of awards.

We’ll get through this together.

Triple threat...

19:28 , Matt Verri

New men’s coach of the year

19:24 , Matt Verri

There will be a fresh name on the men’s coach of the year trophy tonight.

Thomas Tuchel won it 12 months ago, bringing an end to Jurgen Klopp’s two-year reign. Didier Deschamps, Zinedine Zidane and Claudio Ranieri the other previous winners.

It’s set to be Lionel Scaloni awarded the prize tonight, after Argentina’s World Cup success.

Stars are starting to arrive...

19:16 , Matt Verri

No Lewandowski this time

19:11 , Matt Verri

Robert Lewandowski has won the main men’s award in each of the previous two years, but he’s not even on the shortlist tonight.

Messi took home the trophy in 2019, and he’s a strong favourite to do so again. Mbappe and Benzema have never won the award before - they’re set to have to wait a bit longer.

Few decent strikes

19:00 , Matt Verri

Some odds for tonight’s ceremony....

18:52 , Matt Verri

The Best FIFA Men’s Player

Lionel Messi - 1/5

Karim Benzema - 4/1

Kylian Mbappe - 10/1

The Best FIFA Women’s Player

Alexia Putellas - 1/3

Beth Mead - 3/1

Alex Morgan - 7/1

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach

Lionel Scaloni - 1/3

Carlo Ancelotti - 3/1

Pep Guardiola - 7/1

Odds via BettingSites.co.uk

Earps adds to England representation

18:44 , Matt Verri

A trio of goalkeepers up for the women’s goalkeeper award too, led by England’s Mary Earps.

She played a crucial role in last summer’s Euros success, while Christiane Endler helped Lyon to Champions League glory.

Germany and Chelsea’s Ann-Katrin Berger completes the shortlist.

Best men’s goalkeeper

18:37 , Matt Verri

Three goalkeepers up for the men’s award tonight.

Emi Martinez the favourite after his heroics in Argentina’s World Cup run, while Yassine Bounou starred in Qatar for Morocco.

Thibaut Courtois completes the shortlist, after his man-of-the-match display in the Champions League final.

No Real Madrid players tonight

18:26 , Matt Verri

Carlo Ancelotti and his Real Madrid players will not be in attendance in Paris this evening.

The club have opted to skip the ceremony and ensure their full focus is on Thursday night, when they play Barcelona in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final tie.

Would suggest we can read into that and assume Ancelotti and Benzema won’t be winning individual awards tonight, which probably also plays a factor...

Mead and Miedema travelling to Paris!

18:18 , Matt Verri

Puskas Award...

18:07 , Matt Verri

Always a fun one. The Puskas Award will be given out tonight.

Richarlison on the shortlist for his acrobatic goal for Brazil at the World Cup, as he volleyed home against Serbia.

That’s up against Dmitri Payet’s strike against PAOK Thessaloniki and Marcin Oleksy, who is looking to become the first amputee winner of the award.

You can watch Oleksy’s very, very special goal here.

More success for Wiegman?

17:57 , Matt Verri

Sarina Wiegman has transformed the England side, with the Lionesses going all the way on home soil at last summer’s Euros.

She’s up for women’s coach award, along with Sonia Bompastor and Pia Sundhage.

Bompastor’s Lyon side won the Women’s Champions League last season, while Sundhage and Brazil lifted the Copa America Femenina trophy.

Scaloni up for coach award

17:46 , Matt Verri

Lionel Scaloni a strong favourite for the men’s coach award, after playing his part in ending Argentina’s long wait for a World Cup.

If it’s not him, it will be either Carlo Ancelotti, who led Real Madrid to the Champions League last season, or Pep Guardiola as his Manchester City continue to dominate domestically.

Looking at that shortlist though, you’ve got to imagine it will be Scaloni picking up the award.

Full list of awards

17:38 , Matt Verri

Those are the main awards being given out tonight, but there’s plenty more on the agenda too.

Coaches, goals, goalkeepers... going to be a busy night! Here is a full list of the awards to keep an eye out for:

Men’s Player

Women’s Player

Men’s Coach

Women’s Coach

Men’s Goalkeeper

Women’s Goalkeeper

Puskas Award

Mead up for women’s award

17:31 , Matt Verri

Will it be Beth Mead’s night?

She’s currently out with an ACL injury, but the Arsenal and England forward enjoyed a stellar 2022. Flying form for the Gunners, starring role in helping her country win the Euros... not too shaby.

Alexia Putellas, who won this award 12 months ago is also nominated, having pipped Mead to the Women’s Ballon d’Or by a vote.

Alex Morgan completes the shortlist, but it looks to be between Mead and Putellas.

Messi leads shortlist for men’s award

17:23 , Matt Verri

No surprise to see Lionel Messi on the shortlist for the main men’s award tonight. It would be a shock if he didn’t end up winning it, after leading Argentina to World Cup glory at the end of the year.

Kylian Mbappe also up for the award - he went toe-to-toe with Messi in that remarkable Qatar final.

And Karim Benzema is third name on the shortlist, having picked up the Ballon d’Or back in October. Injury prevented him from playing a role at the World Cup.

How to watch FIFA Best Awards

17:16 , Matt Verri

Live stream: FIFA will be streaming the ceremony live on their website Fifa.com and their YouTube channel.

It will also be covered on BBC iPlayer, once the ceremony gets underway at 8pm.

Live blog: You can follow all the updates and awards being given out right here with us throughout the night!

Good evening!

17:09 , Matt Verri

Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the The Best FIFA Football Awards!

It does what it says on the tin. Tonight there will be awards for the best players and coaches across the men’s and women’s game, while the Puskas Award will also be handed out.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Beth Mead among those hoping it’s a successful night in Paris. We’ll have all the latest updates and build-up before full coverage of the ceremony, which gets underway at 8pm GMT. Stay with us!