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Nominees for the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards

By Arthur Fernandes

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF on the pitch during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 03: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF on the pitch during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States is once again gearing up to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of players, coaches, and referees in its 2023 season. The announcement of the nominees for the MLS year-end awards is a highlight in the North American soccer calendar, a testament to the league’s ever-growing stature and quality.

This year, MLS continued to solidify its position as one of the premier soccer leagues in the world, with players from across the globe choosing the American league to showcase their talents. The list of nominees reflects this diversity and the wealth of talent in MLS.

One of the most prestigious categories is the MLS MVP, featuring names like Lionel Messi and Carles Gil as contenders. Messi, who joined the league in 2023, brought a level of excellence that transcended the boundaries of the sport and captivated fans worldwide. The fierce competition for this award underscores how much MLS has evolved, attracting world-class players.

Another exciting category is Rookie of the Year, which highlights the emerging talents who made their MLS debut in 2023. The inclusion of names like Messi and Giorgos Giakoumakis, who have already shone elsewhere, demonstrates how the league has become an attractive destination for experienced players seeking new challenges.

FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 2: Carles Gil #10 of New England Revolution portrait during a game between Austin FC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on September 2, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 2: Carles Gil #10 of New England Revolution portrait during a game between Austin FC and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on September 2, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

Beyond the individual awards, MLS also recognizes those who contribute to the community and social causes with the Audi Goals Drive Progress Impact Award. This award honors players who use their platform to create positive change in communities, emphasizing the importance of sports beyond the soccer pitch.

It’s crucial to emphasize that MLS not only acknowledges on-field talent but also values the work of coaches and referees. The MLS Coach of the Year award, named in honor of Sigi Schmid, pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of coaches who shape competitive teams. Similarly, the awards for referees and assistants show that the league places a high value on the integrity of the game.

The nomination and voting process are a testament to MLS’s transparency and impartiality, involving players, coaches, media, and, of course, fans. This not only makes the awards more meaningful but also strengthens the bond between the sport’s protagonists and its fan base.

The nominees for the 2023 MLS Year-End Awards reflect the league’s trajectory of success, attracting global talent and recognizing those who contribute not only to the sport but also to society. MLS is undoubtedly on the right path to becoming a powerhouse in the world of soccer.

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