The FIFA Best Awards ceremony held in Qatar has ignited a firestorm of criticism on social media following the announcement of winners Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati. Despite their impressive achievements, the selections have sparked widespread debate about the credibility and fairness of FIFA’s voting process, with fans questioning why several high-profile stars were overlooked.
Outstanding Performances Rewarded
Dembele claimed the men’s award after an exceptional season with Paris Saint-Germain, where he scored 35 goals and contributed to the club’s Champions League triumph. Bonmati secured the women’s award for the third consecutive year, adding to her recent Ballon d’Or victory. Both players have undeniably demonstrated excellence in their respective positions and competitions.
Notable Omissions Draw Criticism
However, the focus has shifted toward the controversial snubs of Kane, Mbappe, and Raphinha. Supporters argue that Kane’s prolific scoring record, Mbappe’s consistency at both club and international levels, and Raphinha’s significant impact at Barcelona deserved recognition. The FIFA voting system, which incorporates input from fans, media, captains, and coaches, faced accusations of overlooking performances many believed were more deserving.
Social media erupted with trolling and heated debates about the perceived unfairness in the selection process. Many fans expressed frustration with the methodology, suggesting that certain standout performances were unjustly excluded. Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman won coaching honors, while Donnarumma and Hampton claimed goalkeeping awards, with spectacular goals earning the Puskas and Marta awards.