It’s finally time for FIFA 23’s TOTY, the traditional FUT promo awarding the best-performing players during the calendar year. Team of the Year is decreed by fans, who can vote to include soccer stars in their ideal squad.
FIFA 23 TOTY predictions
Players who manage to enter this very limited squad of eleven will then receive special FUT cards, which are greatly enhanced compared to the base cards. This is why people often vote for those they think would be particularly strong for their clubs, rather than those who truly deserve a place in the squad. We’ll bow to this collective wisdom, so with that in mind, let’s take a look at our FIFA 23 TOTY predictions.
Thibaut Courtois
Between the posts, there’s little doubt that Thibaut Courtois will have the burden and honor of defending the FIFA 23 TOTY. The former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea goalie played a key role in winning the Champions League (and La Liga) with Real Madrid, and is already the best goalkeeper in FIFA 23, which should be enough to attract the votes of most players.
Achraf Hakimi
Achraf Hakimi has had a huge impact on PSG, where he forms a golden pair on the wing of the reigning champions in France. He is already loved by FIFA players, who will surely choose him for his speed. Morocco’s exhilarating performance at the World Cup is just the icing on the cake.
Éder Militão
Éder Militão has been amazing since his move to Real Madrid. Met with skepticism, the ex-Porto DC did little to disprove the impression that he was clumsy and raw, but speed, physique, and heart allowed him to climb the ranks in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad – and win his first Champions.
Virgil Van Dijk
Virgil Van Dijk’s decline coincided with that of Klopp’s team both in the Premier League and in European football. But the Dutchman, who did well at the World Cup, remains the most beloved central defender in FIFA 23, thanks to a mix of speed and physique, and we doubt anyone wants to let that go in the game.
Théo Hernandez
Théo Hernandez was among the protagonists of Milan’s unexpected Scudetto in Serie A, and earned a place in the French national team, and reached the final of the World Cup despite Didier Deschamps’ initial skepticism. Speed, physique, dribbling and good shooting, Lucas’ brother has what it takes to make him a fan favorite.
Luka Modrić
Luka Modrić once again guided Real Madrid to Champions League and La Liga victory in Spain. The genius midfielder was one of the protagonists of Croatia’s triumphant campaign at the World Cup, taking them all the way to the semi-finals, and is also a very solid midfielder in FIFA 23.
Casemiro
Casemiro won the league and the Champions League with Real Madrid, and then had the guts to leave for a team under construction. Initially, he had a lot of difficulties, with the former Ajax coach who just didn’t see his talent, but he ended the year with performances and leadership worthy of his fame.
Kevin De Bruyne
Despite a tarnished World Cup, the Belgian has served 17 assists and scored 18 goals in the Premier League over the last two seasons, carving out a role as technical and charismatic leader in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. His inclusion is taken for granted, despite not being particularly popular in the game.
Leo Messi
Leo Messi has finally broken the curse that saw him far from his brilliant club form in the national team, winning the World Cup with Argentina in December. After a subdued first season, he also won back Paris Saint-Germain, where, together with Neymar Jr. and Mbappé, he forms an unrivaled offensive trio. GOAT.
Erling Haaland
I know, I know. You were expecting Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema here, and in a way, we still hope he earns it. But Erling Haaland’s popularity with FIFA players, the power of the (albeit nerfed) Lengthy meta, and his devastating impact on the Premier League with the Man City shirt should push many to vote for the Norwegian.
Kylian Mbappé
Alongside Messi, Mbappé is perhaps the only one who’s surely getting a spot on the team – there’s no doubt the FIFA 23 ambassador is included in the TOTY and, considering his performance both in PSG and France (a lavish hat-trick in the World Cup final, which, however, wasn’t enough to lift the cup), that’s well deserved.
Written by Paolo Sirio on behalf of GLHF.
