We are a society obsessed with superstars. The brilliant, outlandish consistency of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi’s achievements have focussed the football world’s attention on individuality and personal success more than ever before. Since 2008 the pair have won five Ballon d’Or trophies each. The previous record was three.
Much like in boxing, where each federation offers a belt for fighters to compete for, football’s authorities are falling over themselves to establish their ‘best player’ title as the one to win. Last month Virgil van Dijk won the UEFA Player of the Year Awards and tonight Messi was once again crowned at the Best Fifa Football Awards. Not only is this one of the worst named prizes in sport, it’s also completely superfluous. It may sound imperialistic, but football’s economics and the financial power of Europe’s big clubs means we are at least several decades away from seeing a player not playing in Europe being recognised as the greatest on Earth. The world’s best players travel to Europe to test themselves among the elite, and until they have proved themselves in Europe, they simply won’t be in the running to win the prize.
So let’s do away with the Best Fifa Football Awards. Let’s wallow a little less in the back slapping and faux modesty on show at such awards ceremonies. Who knows, we might just remember football is a team sport.
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