The 2023 edition of the Best FIFA Football Awards took place this evening in London, and there was plenty of Chelsea representation nominated for prizes with two players earning spots in the FIFPro Women's Best XI of 2023.
Chelsea Women's striking duo of Sam Kerr and Lauren James were both named in the FIFPro Women’s World XI following stellar seasons with the Blues.
Kerr surpassed 100 appearances at Chelsea, finished the 2022/23 season as the club’s top scorer, and continues to lead the way heading into 2024.
James won the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award, scored her first WSL hat-trick in November against Liverpool, and featured for the Lionesses as they reached the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. She was one of seven Lionesses named in the XI.
Chelsea team-mate Ashley Lawrence was nominated but didn't make the final selection.
Elsewhere, Chelsea head coach Emma Hayes finished second in the FIFA Best Coach award, narrowly missing out to England manager Sarina Wiegman. Barcelona boss Jonatan Giráldez was placed third.
Hayes oversaw a spectacular 2023 with Chelsea Women securing the Women’s Super League title and the FA Cup, while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League and the final of the League Cup.
Congratulations, all!