Osimhen missing as FIFA name Haaland, Mbappe and Messi as finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award

Reigning African king of football, Victor Osimhen was conspicuosly missing as FIFA Thursday announced the three finalists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player Award 2023.

The Nigerian was among the 12 players initially nominated for award, having been chosen by a panel of experts.

Now the final three, Erling Haalnd, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi have been named as the contenders for the presitigious award which recognises the most outstanding performers in the men’s game from the period of 19 December 2022 to 20 August 2023.

Haaland, the Manchester City goal machine beaten to the Ballon D’or by Messi was simply unstoppable, terrorising defenders in domestic and European competition as Pep Guardiola’s men secured the club’s first treble by lifting the UEFA Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup trophies.

On top of his club honours, Haaland claimed a host of personal accolades, including the European Golden Shoe, the English Premier League Golden Boot, and the rare double of being named English Premier League Player and Young Player of the season.

Mbappe, named as the Ligue 1 Player of the Year last season also ended Ligue 1 top scorer while Messi, who won the award in 2022 led Argentina to win the World Cup last year at the age of 36.

That feat ensured he has now won every major domestic, international and individual honour in the game.