A night of Burgundy suits, random celebrity appearances and debatable decisions… it has to be FIFA’s ‘The Best’ awards.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were no shows.
Luka Modric deservedly became the first player since Kaka in 2007 to pip the footballing extraterrestrials to the prize.
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Some of the awards on the night, however, were far more controversial than the main accolade.
Here are the five most controversial decisions of the evening.
1 Thibaut Courtois winning best goalkeeper
There is no denying Courtois had a brilliant World Cup. He helped Belgium reach the semi-finals and ultimately third place.
Yet Courtois had a suspect season at Stamford Bridge.
His performance at the Nou camp, twice being nutmegged by Leo Messi.
Couple that with conceding seven goals in a week against Bournemouth and Watfard, there is certainly a debate about this one.
Since forcing his move to Real Madrid, Courtois is still fighting for the number one spot with Keylor Navas which begs the question whether he is the best in Madrid, let alone the world.
2 Mo Salah’s Puskas award for the best goal of the season
A good show of strength, a nice touch inside, followed by a cute ten yard finish in the top corner.
One you might admire on Match of the Day, but the best goal of the season? Not convinced.
This award is done by a fan vote. As we all know Salah has hoards of loyal supporters who worship his every move, along with Liverpool’s considerable world wide fan base.
Perhaps it isn’t such a surprise, but you only have to compare Salah’s goal to Riley McGree’s scorpion kick for the Newcastle Jets to see the injustice.
3 Dani Alves being selected in the best XI
We must first stress that Dani Alves has been the best right back in the world for the best part of a decade.
Yet you feel this decision is down to reputation alone. Kyle Walker had a brilliant season for Man City and was one of England’s star players at the World Cup.
Another English defender, Kieran Trippier may also feel hard done by after his brilliant rise.
4 Marta winning the best female player of the year
Like Alves, Marta was once the best in the business, winning the award from 2006-2010 consecutively.
Yet her reputation may have been the sole cause for this award.
Dzsenifer Marozsan, the Germany captain, helped Lyon win the champions league and was a stand out performer over the past season.
She too will have rolled her eyes as the ageing Marta once again triumphed.
5 This atrocity worn by Idris Elba.
No words necessary.
READ MORE:
- FIFA’s ‘The Best’ finalists are an absolute joke and the organisers should feel embarrassed
- Six Mohamed Salah goals from last season that are better than his Puskas winner
- Is Alexis Sanchez the worst Man United signing in the post-Fergie era?
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