The Men's FIFA Best Player award was announced in Zurich, Switzerland and wasn't without debate on Monday night, as Argentina star Lionel Messi stole the show once again.
Messi beat Manchester City's Erling Haaland and France captain Kylian Mbappe to the coveted prize, and what stood out from a South African perspective is that none of Mzansi's representatives chose the Inter Miami player as their winner.
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Captains, coaches and media from all member associations of the world governing body voted for the prestigious FIFA awards and we take a look at how Messi wasn't the favoured choice in South Africa.
Representing Mzansi was Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, the head SA coach Hugo Broos and then the media selection was reserved for Robert Marawa.
The Bafana shot-stopper and Mamelodi Sundowns star Williams chose Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in first place. This was due to the Norwegian's stellar debut campaign in the Premier League and how he helped City win the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Messi followed in second spot as the Argentine proved pivotal to his nation's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar where he was also named the player of the tournament. He had also helped current club Inter Miami to their first-ever trophy in MLS.
The club mate of Haaland; Rodri Hernandez came in third spot for Williams, given how the Spaniard showed his importance to the Citizens with the winning strike in the final of the UEFA Champions League against Inter Milan in June last season. Rodri also proved to be a crucial member of City's formidable outfit.
Coach Broos made an interesting pair of choices as he instead went for Kylian Mbappe in first place after guiding France to the runners-up podium in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and being PSG's go-to-man.
Manchester City and Broos' countryman Kevin De Bruyne came second on Broos' list given his importance for both club and country, and helping City to the treble despite limping off in the first half of the final of the Champions League. Haaland slotted in third spot for the Bafana boss which means the Belgian didn't select Messi in either of these top three positions.
Media personality and football anchor Marawa, preferred Haaland as his number one choice. He then made a rather surprising selection in Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for second spot following the Georgian's superb debut campaign in the top flight of Italian football where he helped Napoli to a first Serie A title in over 33 years.
Unlike Broos, Marawa did choose Messi, but only in third spot.
Do you agree with Broos, Marawa and Williams' selections? Share your views in the comments section below!READ: Rautmann: Swallows' PSL Fine A Joke For Football
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