Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and manager Pep Guardiola were among the biggest winners as the 2023 UEFA Awards were handed out at the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League draw.
Norwegian striker Haaland was named as the UEFA Player of the Year, capping off a brilliant debut season at the Etihad with Manchester City in which he scored a hatful of goals to propel his side to the treble, making them only the second English side to achieve the feat in history. The 22-year-old was also voted as the PFA’s Player of the Year after shattering the English top-flight’s all-time goalscoring record for most goals in a single season in his first season. He was also FWA Player of the Year, as well.
Manchester City tactician Guardiola won the UEFA Coach of the Year award for guiding his side to the treble and winning his first UEFA Champions League crown since 2011. He became the first manager in history to win the treble twice and with two different clubs, as well.
Among the biggest winners on the day was Spain and FC Barcelona Femeni midfielder Aitana Bonmati. The midfielder enjoyed a brilliant season for club and country as she helped her club win the UEFA Women’s Champions League and her country to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Likened to the great Andres Iniesta by Guardiola, Bonmati was named as the UEFA Women’s Player of the Year.
England Women’s coach Sarina Wiegman was also among the biggest winners on the day. After leading the Lionesses to glory in the Euros and Finalissima over the last year, she led them to second place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup just under two weeks ago. The Dutch tactician was named as the UEFA Women’s Coach of the Year, and she dedicated her award to the Spanish Women’s national team who are in turmoil presently.
