FIFA AWARDS BEST MEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Croatian and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric named the FIFA best men's player of the year
For the first time, there is a new name on The Best FIFA Men’s Player trophy. The Croatian International and Madrid star Luka Modric beats Mohamed Salah and Ex Madrid teammate Cristiano Ronaldo to become the first player over the reign of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi after Kaka won the trophy in 2007.
It has taken something outstanding to break the duopoly of Ronaldo and Lionel Messi at the pinnacle of the men’s game, and Modric’s season has undoubtedly warranted the landmark. His performance in the 2017/2018 season has boosted him in winning the title. His contributions to International level by playing a key role in helping his country to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, producing superlative performances at the finals themselves and his Real Madrid’s third consecutive UEFA Champions League trophy gave him a path to compete alongside Ronaldo and Salah. He was also awarded the adidas Golden Ball at the FIFA Club World Cup.
According to Modric he said
I don't want to enter into the debate of whether it is deserved or not, I just want to thank all the people that voted for me for their support.
Ronaldo and Messi wasn't in the ceremony and their absence was noted. he was keen to avoid any debate over his former teammate. He added;
Everyone has their own reasons. Obviously I would have liked them to be here but they aren't
Real Madrid teammate Sergio Ramos also made mention of the two superstars skipping the event.
He (Modric) is a good player, colleague and friend, but it would have been good for Cris and Leo to be here
The award was decided by national team coaches and captains, select members of the media and online voting. Modric acknowledged both his club and national team achievements, which included winning the Golden Ball at the World Cup, as the deciding factors in claiming the award. According to Modric;
It is for the season we had with Real Madrid, winning the Champions League again, and then getting to the final with Croatia, it all counts. The emotion is huge because it is the work of everyone. So many people have come together and so many have supported me.
Also read: FIFA 19 top10 rated players in premier league
THE FINALISTS
Christiano Ronaldo 7
- Won the 2017/18 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid
- Finished 2017/18 as the Champion League’s top scorer (15)
- Won FIFA Club World Cup UAE 2017
Mohamed Salah 10
- Helped Liverpool to UEFA Champions League final in maiden season
- Netted 32 goals during English Premier League campaign, setting new scoring record
- Finished joint-second in 2017/18 Champions League scoring chart
OTHERS SHORTLISTED
Kevin De Bruyne 7
- Helped Belgium to bronze at Russia 2018
- Key part of Manchester City side which had most wins and points in an English Premier League season
- Most assists during 2017/18 Premier League campaign (18)
Antoine Griezmann 7
- Won FIFA World Cup with France, scored in the Final
- Awarded adidas Silver Boot and adidas Bronze Ball
- Lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy with Atletico Madrid
Eden Hazard 10
- Inspired Belgium to bronze at Russia 2018
- Claimed the FIFA World Cup adidas Silver Ball
- Won the English FA Cup with Chelsea
Harry Kane 9
- Won the adidas Golden Boot at Russia 2018
- Helped England to their best World Cup finish since 1990
- Amassed 30 goals during 2017/18 English Premier League season
Kylian Mbappe 10
- Won the FIFA World Cup and FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award
- Became second youngest player after Pele to score in a World Cup Final
- Won domestic treble during maiden season at Paris Saint-Germain
Lionel Messi 10
- Won a league and cup double with Barcelona
- Finished Spain’s La Liga campaign as top goalscorer (34)
- Joint-top for assists during 2017/18 La Liga season (12)
Raphael Varane 4
- Helped France to World Cup victory at Russia 2018
- Helped keep four clean sheets in seven World Cup games
- Lifted 2017 Club World Cup and 2018 Champions League with Real Madrid