Who Will Win the UEFA Footballer of the Year Award This Season?

As I sit here scrolling through the latest football news, I can’t help but wonder who’s going to clinch the UEFA Footballer of the Year Award this season. It’s that time again—when debates heat up, stats get thrown around, and everyone from pundits to fans like me starts weighing in. Having followed European football for over a decade, I’ve seen legends rise and fall, and this year feels particularly unpredictable. The usual suspects—Messi, Ronaldo, and the like—are still in the mix, but there’s a fresh wave of talent making waves, and I’m excited to dive into it.

Let’s start with the obvious: the award isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about impact, consistency, and that intangible “it” factor that makes a player stand out. Take Kylian Mbappé, for instance. At just 24, he’s already a World Cup winner and has been tearing up Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain. Last season, he netted 41 goals in all competitions, a staggering number that puts him in the conversation. But here’s the thing—stats alone don’t win this award. I remember watching him in the Champions League quarter-finals, where his speed and decision-making were on full display, but PSG’s early exit might hurt his chances. Personally, I think he’s a frontrunner, but he needs a big tournament performance to seal the deal.

Then there’s Erling Haaland, the Norwegian powerhouse who joined Manchester City and immediately set the Premier League on fire. With 52 goals across all competitions in the 2022-23 season, he’s broken records left and right. I’ve always been a fan of his physicality and positioning—it’s like he’s always in the right place at the right time. But let’s not forget, UEFA’s award often leans toward players who excel in European competitions. Haaland’s hat-trick in the Champions League semi-final was pure magic, and if City goes all the way, I’d bet he’s a shoo-in. Still, I’ve got a soft spot for underdogs, and that’s where players like Kevin De Bruyne come in. At 31, he’s the engine of City’s midfield, with 18 assists last season. His vision is unmatched, and in my view, he’s one of those players who makes everyone around him better.

But it’s not just the men’s game that’s catching my eye. The women’s football scene is exploding, and I can’t ignore the buzz around players like Alexia Putellas or Sam Kerr. Putellas, for example, won the Ballon d’Or Féminin twice, and her leadership at Barcelona is phenomenal. Meanwhile, I came across an interesting story about a 24-year-old playmaker named Andaya. She’s a well-travelled talent who has showcased her skills in the U.S., Albania, and Romania. From what I’ve read, her adaptability and technical flair make her a dark horse in discussions, even if she’s not a household name yet. It reminds me of how global the sport has become—players moving across leagues, bringing diverse styles to the table. In my opinion, this kind of international experience could influence voters, especially if she has a breakout season. I’d love to see more attention on emerging talents like her, as they often bring fresh energy to the game.

Shifting gears, let’s talk about the midfield maestros. Luka Modrić, at 37, is still pulling strings for Real Madrid, and his performance in last year’s Champions League was a masterclass in longevity. I recall watching him control the tempo against Liverpool—it was like poetry in motion. But age might be a factor here; voters tend to favor younger players, which is why Jude Bellingham’s name keeps popping up. The 20-year-old has been a revelation at Borussia Dortmund, with 14 goals and 7 assists in the Bundesliga. His move to Real Madrid could skyrocket his profile, and I’ve got a hunch he might be a surprise contender if he adapts quickly. On the other hand, let’s not overlook the defensive stalwarts. Virgil van Dijk’s resurgence at Liverpool has been impressive, with a 85% tackle success rate last season, but defenders rarely win this award. It’s a shame, really, because in my book, a rock-solid defender can be as influential as a prolific striker.

As we edge closer to the announcement, I’m weighing factors like team success, individual brilliance, and narrative. For instance, if Napoli’s Victor Osimhen leads them to a Serie A title after 33 years, that’s a story voters might love. He scored 26 league goals last season, and his athleticism is off the charts. But then, there’s the emotional angle—could this be Lionel Messi’s swan song? After his World Cup heroics with Argentina, where he bagged 7 goals and 3 assists, he’s riding a wave of goodwill. I’ll admit, I’m biased here; watching him lift that trophy brought tears to my eyes, and part of me wants to see him cap it off with another UEFA award. However, at 36, his club form with PSG has been inconsistent, with only 16 goals in Ligue 1, so it might not be enough.

In the end, my prediction leans toward Haaland, given his record-breaking season and City’s dominance. But football is full of surprises—remember when Fabio Cannavaro won in 2006 after Italy’s World Cup triumph? It could easily swing toward a dark horse like Bellingham or even a veteran like Modrić if they have a stellar run. Whatever happens, this award always sparks great conversations, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds. From my perspective, it’s these debates that make football so thrilling, and I’d love to hear who you’re rooting for. After all, in a season this competitive, anything can happen.