The UEFA Champions League is the most elite European club football competition in the world, where the best teams across the continent compete against each other in an attempt to lift the biggest prize in club football.
The Champions League puts on display the most exciting talents across Europe who play a key role in managing their team’s campaigns while entertaining football fans around the world. In this article, we will explore the top contenders for the 2023/24 Champions League Player of the Year award, analyzing their performances and contribution to their teams.
Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
The Brazilian winger has established himself as one of the most exciting players in Europe and is arguably the best winger in the world at the moment. His sensational dribbling skills, creativity and explosive pace have been crucial to Real Madrid’s success in the competition this season.
This season, Vinicius has been at the heart of Real Madrid’s attack, contributing goals and assists while causing constant problems for defenders.
His ability to damage opposition defenses with one move or a well-placed cross makes him a strong contender for the player of the season award.
The Brazilian played a significant role as Los Blancos knocked out reigning champions and heavy favorites Manchester City in the quarter-finals with two key assists in the first leg.
The winger has scored 7 goals in 7 appearances so far in the competition and will be looking to contribute even more as the Kings of Europe aim for another Champions League crown. All in all, it was an impressive individual campaign for Vinny.
Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid
The young English midfielder has taken Europe by storm since joining Los Blancos. His intelligence, calmness and versatility earned him the respect and admiration of football fans around the world. Bellingham’s ability to control the tempo of the game and contribute defensively and offensively makes him a valuable asset for Real Madrid. This season in the Champions League, Bellingham’s performances have been nothing short of spectacular. His ability to score goals from midfield, provide assists and win vital battles in the center of the park has been crucial in helping Los Blancos progress in the competition. The 20-year-old Englishman has 4 goals and 4 assists in 8 appearances for Real Madrid in the Champions League so far this season. Bellingham is undoubtedly one of Los Blancos’ key players and his impact will be crucial as they seek to secure a 15th European crown.
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
Harry Kane best strikers in the world MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 27: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich celebrates after scoring the second goal from the penalty spot during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Munich and FC Augsburg at Allianz Arena on August 27, 2023 in Munich, Germany . The England striker, who joined Bayern Munich in the summer, made a strong impact on the German side. Known for his goalscoring prowess and intelligence on the pitch, Kane has brought a new dimension to Bayern’s attack with his ability to create chances and score from a variety of positions. The addition of Harry Kane to an already dynamic and dangerous Bayern attack provided a spark that the Bavarians had previously seemed to lack in that front line. Kane’s goals and assists in the Champions League this season have helped Bayern reach their first semi-final in four years. His leadership on the pitch and experience in the big games have also been key to their success in the competition so far. The Englishman scored 7 goals and 3 assists in 10 appearances for the Bavarians this season. If Bayern can make it to the end of the season, Kane will no doubt have a strong shout for the player of the season award. Kane has already scored in the first leg against Real Madrid, which ended 2-2, and will look to repeat that feat in the second leg in Spain. Tickets for Real Madrid are selling fast ahead of the second leg.
Kylian Mbappe – PSG
Kylian Mbappe best winger in the world 2023 LYON, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 3: Kylian Mbappe of PSG in action during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyon (OL) and Paris Saint Germain (PSG) at Stade Gruppe on September 3, 202 .in Lyon, France. The French striker is one of the most electrifying players in world football, a true generational talent. His quick pace, agility and goal-scoring ability have made him a standout player in this season’s Champions League campaign. Mbappe’s ability to change the game with his brilliance is unmatched. So far this season, Mbappe has been an important player for Les Parisiens despite his imminent departure and speculation surrounding his future. The 25-year-old striker has been instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s run in the competition, scoring key goals at key moments to propel his side further into the competition. Mbappe is currently the top scorer in the Champions League with 8 goals in 10 appearances for Les Parisiens and will be looking to play a central role as PSG look to end their European trophy drought by winning the biggest
Rodrygo Silva de Goes – Real Madrid
The Brazil winger has continued to mature in the colours of Los Blancos with each passing season. Rodrygo has been a consistent performer for Real Madrid in the Champions League this season, and his pace and trickery off the right side of Real’s attack are causing problems for opposition defenders. The 23-year-old winger has contributed massively to Real Madrid’s success in attack this season in the competition, creating for teammates while also getting on the end of chances himself. Rodrygo played a crucial part in Los Blancos’ triumph over Manchester City in the quarterfinals, with a goal each in both legs to ensure that Real Madrid remained in the tie, which they eventually won on penalties. As Real progress into the latter stages of this competition, Rodrigo’s impact will certainly be undeniable
Erling Haaland – Manchester City
The Norwegian forward is one of the most lethal strikers in Europe. His physicality, speed, and deadly accuracy in front of goal make him a constant threat to opposition defenses. Since joining Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund, Haaland has consistently delivered goals while breaking records, contributing significantly to City’s treble-winning campaign last season. Haaland’s performances in the group stage and knockout rounds were instrumental in City’s quarterfinals run. The 23-year-old recorded 8 goal contributions in 9 appearances for Manchester City. Manchester City are already out of the competition and that might be the stumbling block to Haaland’s chances of being named the UCL player of the season.