Alexia Putellas beats Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi to be named highest rated player in FIFA 23

Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has been revealed to be the highest rated player on  FIFA 23, edging out the likes of Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi.

Whilst fans may have expected the Frenchman or the Argentine, who has been the top-rated player four years in a row, to be leading the pack – it’s the Spaniard who claims this year’s top spot. 

Whilst Putellas’s club side are not part of the in-game universe, she is the game’s most talented player with a 92 score, because of her involvement with the Spanish National Team.

Barcelona midfielder Alexia Putellas has been named the highest rated player on FIFA 23

Putellas’ rating puts her one ahead of her male counterparts Karim Benzema and Lionel Messi 

Her impressive rating puts her one ahead of her male counterparts – Benzema, Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Kevin De Bruyne, Robert Lewandowski – who all sit on 91.

It’s a deserved spot at the summit for the reigning Ballon d’Or Feminin winner after enjoying a stellar season last year- netting 34 goals for Barcelona last season as the club won all the domestic trophies and reached the Champions League final. 

The Spanish national team captain was not able to continue her fantastic form in the recent Euros, after tearing her knee ligaments in training.

There are a number of women’s players who sit just behind Putellas, with Chelsea’s Sam Kerr and Lyon duo Wendie Renard and Ada Hegerberg rated level with Benzema and Co.

The Spanish national team captain claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award in August

PSG star Lionel Messi was knocked off the summit after four years as the top rated player

Though she boasts the highest base rating, as reported by Sportsmail previously, PSG star Mbappe has the potential to surpass her and can become the best player in the game. 

The French superstar, who plays for PSG, is already rated as a 91 on the EA Sports game, but with the right progress through the seasons, could grow to become a 95 rated player. 

There is a three way tie for fourth spot, with Haaland’s City teammate Phil Foden, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma all possible 92s with the right gameplay. 

FIFA 23 released globally on September 30, for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One. 

The midfielder notched 34 goals for the Catalan side as they won all domestic trophies