Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi named into UEFA's Player of the Year shortlist

UEFA's annual nominees for the Player of the Year 2022/23 have been revealed, with PSG making its mark despite not dominating the field. Kylian Mbappe and Leo Messi (who played at PSG last season) have secured positions in the Top 10 UEFA players of last season.

Even though PSG struggled through last season and only won the Ligue 1 title, two players did enough in the eyes of UEFA.h Te evaluation process involves a points-based system derived from votes, incorporating player performance on both club and national fronts.

A clear Manchester City dominance was expected and turned into a reality, with four Man City players securing spots within the Top 10.

Mbappe was ranked in sixth place, propelled by a stellar World Cup performance and a triumphant hat-trick in the final against fellow former teammate Messi. His achievements extended to becoming the leading scorer in both the Qatar-hosted World Cup and the French league. However, early exits from the Champions League and the Coupe de France have tempered his ranking.

Lionel Messi ascended to the Top 3 alongside Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, both Champions League winners with Man City last year. Beyond securing a World Cup victory against former teammate Mbappe, Messi also clinched the title of the international tournament's best player.

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner (and soon eight-time champ) dominated the assists category in Ligue 1 and emerged victorious in the Finalissima held between Argentina and Italy.

UEFA's recognition of these accomplishments propelled Messi's rank atop the board and among his peers, even though he's now plying his trade in the United States of America playing for Inter Miami of the MLS.

The final Top 3 will be revealed on August 31, coinciding with the Champions League draws and naming the best player of the 2022/23 season.

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