FIFA award candidates have been shortlisted, as three players were shorted for best player award, and three goalkeepers also shortlisted for best goalkeeper awards.
This year’s FIFA award which will be presented on 24th September in London by the world football governing body FIFA, a few hours ago, released six shortlisted candidates for both best player and best goalkeeper awards. The three names shortlisted were still the same names we saw at the just concluded UEFA award ceremony in Monaco a few days ago, which were Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Luka Modric (Croatia) and Mohammed Salah (Egypt).
While for the best goalkeepers for the FIFA award as announced by FIFA, has just three names of Thibaut Courtois (Belgium), Hugo Lloris (France) and Kasper Schmeichel (Denmark).
Players profile as announced for the FIFA award:
Cristiano Ronaldo:
Won the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
Finished 2017/18 as the Champion League’s top scorer (15)
Won FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017
Runner-up at the UEFA best player award 2018
Luka Modric:
The Real Madrid and Croatian Midfielder is more favoured to win this, having won the UEFA Champions League Best player award, and best midfielder award.
He was also exceptional at the just concluded Russia 2018 FIFA world cup, helping his country reached the finals of the world cup, which France later won.
*Captained Croatia to their first ever FIFA World Cup Final
*Won the Adidas Golden Ball at Russia 2018
*Helped Real Madrid win Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup
*Won the UEFA best midfielder and player 2018
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah is the surprise star, as the former Chelsea and AS Roma winger, since moving to Liverpool as seen improved to the extent of scoring over 40-goals in a season, and helping his country qualify for a FIFA world cup for the first time since 25-years.
*Helped Liverpool to UEFA Champions League final in maiden season
*Netted 32 goals during English Premier League campaign, setting new scoring record
*Finished joint-second in 2017/18 Champions League scoring chart
Goalkeeper profile for the FIFA Award:
Best goalkeeper shortlist:
Thibaut Courtois
Won the adidas Golden Glove at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™
Helped Belgium to clinch bronze in Russia
Kept 15 English Premier League clean sheets last season
Hugo Lloris
Captained France to World Cup glory in Russia
Kept clean sheets in four games on the way to the final
Was also unbeaten in 15 Premier League matches with Spurs
Kasper Schmeichel
Saved 91% of shots faced at Russia 2018, more than anyone who played more than once
Saved three penalties in the Round of 16 match against Croatia
Set a new record unbeaten streak for Denmark, not conceding for 572 minutes