Candidates for best player confirmed

Gabriele Gori, Madjer and Dejan Stankovic voted as the world’s top three.

The three nominees for this year’s Best Player award have been confirmed, with Gabriele Gori, Madjer and Dejan Stankovic all in the running for the prestigious title.

The MVP prize is just one of those that will be handed out at Beach Soccer Stars Night in Dubai next month and voting has been ongoing for a number of weeks now – coaches and captains from nations across the beach soccer world making their choices.

Much like the Best Goalkeeper and Best Coach awards, the MVP prize is a true honour for those in the sport as it is decided by players’ peers.

And who better to decide the best player in the world than those who come up against them in competition throughout the season?

The contenders

Gabriele Gori (Italy)

Italy forward Gori has had a season to remember, helping Viareggio to success in the Euro Winners Cup before finishing the Euro Beach Soccer Cup as top scorer in Italy’s run to the final.

There was also an MVP award during the third and final regular stage of the Euro Beach Soccer League in Siofok but the 29-year-old hit top form in Jesolo as he spearheaded Italy’s progression to the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in the Bahamas.

Gori finished with 19 goals as Italy ended the qualifier fourth – only Stankovic scoring more in Jesolo – with the two set to go head-to-head for top honours again in Dubai.

Madjer (Portugal)

Already a three-time winner of this award, the legendary beach soccer figure will hope to get his hands on the MVP prize once more following a historic season of personal achievement.

In a season where he helped world champions Portugal lift the Euro Beach Soccer Cup in Belgrade, qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and reach the final of the Euro Beach Soccer League, Madjer also ticked off two impressive career landmarks.

It was at the qualifier in Jesolo that he not only reached 1,000 career goals with a trademark powerful free-kick against England, but also moved past 500 caps as Portugal ensured they would get the chance to defend their world title next year.

Consistency and quality continue to remain part of Madjer’s arsenal, making it easy to see why the veteran remains such a revered figure among his fellow pros. 

Dejan Stankovic (Switzerland)

Swiss forward Stankovic cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal finishers in the sport with an eye-catching display in Jesolo as Switzerland joined Poland, Italy and Portugal at next year’s FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup.

The imposing forward – top scorer at the Euro Beach Soccer League leg in Moscow – weighed in with six more as the Swiss avoided bottom spot at the Superfinal in Catania.

But Stankovic saved his best form for Jesolo, as his 25-goal haul helped earn him a place in the world’s top three. 

Who will be crowned the winner? Stay tuned to www.beachsoccer.com to find out all the award winners on November 5th.