Lets dive into FUT.GG's official predictions for the 2023 Team of the Year in FC 24.
It’s important to remember that because TOTY players are decided by fan vote, and EA do have the final say, the predictions below are more of a reflection of what I expect to happen, rather than who was the “best” or “most deserving”. We also may see the first players with a second PlayStyle+, which would be very exciting. We don’t know if we’ll have TOTY Honorable Mentions (or how many), but I’ve listed one per position as well.
Men’s TOTY 2023 Starting XI
GK: Marc-André ter Stegen (Barcelona) - 89 OVR -> 95 OVR:
Barcelona had an incredible defensive record last season, conceding just 15 goals in their title-winning season. Although the start of this season has not been as strong, ter Stegen has been very good overall. Add to this, Barcelona’s massive global following, and he’s likely to get the votes needed to secure a spot in the team.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) - 86 OVR -> 94 OVR
Fullbacks can be hard to pick, as EA allow voters to select any four defenders regardless of position. However, I think EA will look to have fullbacks if possible. Trent has been fantastic this season, helping secure Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table at year’s end. Although the 22-23 season was a difficult one, Liverpool ended the year on a strong run of games. Similar to ter Stegen, I think Liverpool’s passionate following helps put TAA in TOTY.
Added PlayStyle: Whipped Pass+
CB: Rúben Dias (Manchester City) - 89 OVR -> 96 OVR
As the consistent rock at the back for City’s treble-winning campaign, Dias seems very likely to be in TOTY. He started almost every match in the Premier League and Champions League in 2023, and was a massive contributor to City’s success.
Added PlayStyle: Block+
CB: John Stones (Manchester City) - 85 OVR -> 95 OVR
One more CB option could be John Stones, who had a fantastic year for City. Although he's missed much of this season, Stones has been one of the best players in the world and a critical part of City's treble.
Added PlayStyle: Anticipate+
LB: Theo Hernández (Milan) - 85 OVR -> 93 OVR
Hernández, who was in last year’s TOTY, did not have a great 2023 by his standards, but he is always likely to get a good share of the votes as a player everyone loves to use in-game. He also offers a great link to Bastoni at the back.
Added PlayStyle: Rapid+
CDM: Rodri (Manchester City) - 89 OVR -> 97 OVR
You could make the argument that Rodri was the best player in the world in 2023. The reason is simple - when he plays, City almost always win. When he doesn’t… you can tell. Rodri was immense in 2023, and will almost certainly be in TOTY.
Added PlayStyle: Press Proven+
CM: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid) - 86 OVR -> 97 OVR
It would be hard to argue that many players have had a better 2023 than Jude Bellingham. After pushing Bayern to the final day of the title race, he started an outstanding run of form for Real Madrid. Between his passionate fans in Madrid, England, and beyond, it would be hard to imagine Jude not being in TOTY.
Added PlayStyle: Power Shot+
CAM: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal) - 87 OVR -> 95 OVR
Ødegaard has quickly become the heartbeat of Arsenal, both as a leader/captain and as an all-around midfielder. His fantastic work rate and quality on-ball make him a fan favorite, and he had a great year for Arsenal as they challenged for the title.
Added PlayStyle: Pinged Pass+
RW: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) - 90 OVR -> 98 OVR
Who would’ve thought that one day we would have a Team of the Year player in MLS? Although the World Cup won’t be a factor in the voting, Messi’s rabid worldwide support will be. There will be some controversy over this selection, as many have said that Messi did not have a strong stint with PSG and that MLS is a step down. However, Messi had more goals and more assists for PSG last season than the Serie A player of the season, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He also came to an Inter Miami side that were easily the worst team in MLS and won a trophy with them within weeks of joining. It would be unthinkable for the Ballon d’Or winner to not be in TOTY.
Added PlayStyle: Finesse Shot+
ST: Erling Haaland (Manchester City) - 91 OVR -> 99 OVR
This may be the most obvious inclusion this year, as Haaland shattered just about every record possible in his first season for the treble-winners. As the EA FC 24 cover star, there is zero question he will be in TOTY, and possibly even the first 99-rated player of the cycle.
Added PlayStyle: Rapid+
LW: Kylian Mbappé (PSG) - 91 OVR -> 98 OVR
Another player with a great individual year, Mbappé will certainly receive quite a high share of the fan votes. As a superstar for PSG and France, as well as maybe the most “meta” player in Ultimate Team, he’s extremely likely to be in TOTY.
Added PlayStyle: Finesse Shot+
12th Man: Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) 86 OVR -> 95 OVR
Similar to Messi, some will question the level of competition. However, he’s scored the most goals in the world in 2023, and, perhaps more importantly, has a massive worldwide fanbase that will surely be voting for him. He’s also extremely popular in Ultimate Team, meaning he’ll be a desirable player for the lucky few who can afford him.
Added PlayStyle: Power Header+
TOTY Honourable Mentions, SBCs and Objectives
CB: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter) - 85 OVR -> 92 OVR
Although Inter somewhat struggled in Serie A in the 22-23 season, Bastoni was a vital player in their run to the Champions League final. In addition, Inter sit top of Serie A this season, having conceded just 8 goals so far. Bastoni could feature in the form of an SBC or Objective.
Added PlayStyle: Jockey+
CM: Nicolò Barella (Inter) - 86 OVR -> 91 OVR
Similar to his teammate and countryman Bastoni, Barella was a key player for Inter’s run to the UCL Final and to the top of Serie A this season. He's popular among fans of the game and Ultimate Team players alike.
Added PlayStyle: Tiki Taka+
RM: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal) - 86 OVR -> 91 OVR
Arsenal's Star Boy is sure to get a ton of votes for TOTY as a fan favorite for club and country. He promises to be a very sought-after Honorable Mention player.
Added PlayStyle: Technical+
RW: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - 89 OVR -> 95 OVR
Salah has racked up the goals for Liverpool in 2023, as one of the best and most consistent attackers in the world. Liverpool fans will surely be voting hard for their star man.
Added PlayStyle: Trivela+
ST: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) - 89 OVR -> 96 OVR
Another fantastic striker option is Harry Kane, who scored boatloads for Spurs and Bayern Munich in 2023. In another year, he’s probably in the main team, but this year belongs to Haaland. Kane is another player that could feature in the form of an SBC or Objective.
Added PlayStyle: First Touch+
That concludes my men’s Team of the Year predictions! What do you make of these predictions? Is there anyone else who should have made the TOTY? Let us know below!
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