This archive report was first published on 2 September 2019.
Published on September 2, 2019, by AFP.
Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been shortlisted for the prestigious FIFA Best Men's Player award, joining an elite group of footballers including Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
The Dutch international's impressive performance in Liverpool's Champions League campaign has earned him a spot alongside the two football legends, who are also vying for the top honour.
The FIFA Best awards ceremony is set to take place in Milan on September 23, where the winners will be announced.
Van Dijk's nomination is a testament to his outstanding skills on the pitch, and he will be competing against other top players, including England full-back Lucy Bronze, who has been shortlisted for the FIFA Best Women's Player award.
The shortlists for the FIFA Best awards include:
- Men's player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus/Portugal), Lionel Messi (Barcelona/Argentina), Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool/Netherlands)
- Women's player: Lucy Bronze (Lyon/England), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride/USA), Megan Rapinoe (Reign FC/USA)
- Men's coach: Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool), Mauricio Pochettino (Tottenham)
- Women's coach: Jill Ellis (USA), Phil Neville (England), Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands)
