FIFA put an end to the 'suspense' by announcing, in the form of a announcement issued the three finalists for The Best award, in the category of best player in the world, via their official platforms early on Thursday afternoon.

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami, Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain are the three 'survivors' from the initial list of 12 players, which was made public last September.

Left out of this select group of world-class stars were Bernardo Silva, Declan Rice, Ilkay Gundogan, Julián Álvarez, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kevin de Bruyne, Marcelo Brozovic, Rodri Hernández and, finally, Victor Osimhen.

According to Notícias ao Minuto, the governing body of world soccer also says that the winner will be chosen on the basis of "the most extraordinary performers in men's soccer during the period from December 19, 2022 to August 20, 2023", which completely excludes the World Cup.

The footballer chosen to lift the trophy will be revealed on January 15, 2024, at a gala in London, UK.