The reaction of Erling Haaland’s father after Lionel Messi was voted best male player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards was spotted.
The Inter Miami star edged out Haaland, while Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappé took third place at the awards ceremony held in London on Monday.
The FIFA Best Awards traditionally cover a calendar year and are different from the Ballons d’Or, which reflect performances over the course of a season. However, as the Qatar World Cup was included in last year’s ceremony, this year’s award covers half a season between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023.
Messi began his career at PSG, where he scored nine goals in the French Ligue 1 title-winning campaign, before joining Inter Miami in June and helping the club win the inaugural League Cup.
Haaland scored 36 goals last season, a Premier League record, and 52 goals in all competitions, to help City achieve their first Champions League, FA Cup and Premier League treble.
The winner is determined by votes cast by fans, journalists, managers and national team captains.
Fans laughed out loud at how unimpressed Haaland’s father, Alfie, seemed at this revelation.
“I saw Haaland’s dad’s reaction when Messi was voted best male player of the year,” said one viewer on X in response to a pan on the frustrated father.
Another viewer laughed: “Haaland’s father is furious that Messi won”.
Among the national team captains who voted for Messi were Mbappe, Harry Kane, Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson, Luka Modric and Aaron Ramsey.
Ilkay Gundogan and Casemiro voted for Haaland, as did Messi himself.
Mbappé finished in third place after, like Messi, winning the Ligue 1 title with PSG and claiming a fifth consecutive Golden Boot. The France captain also scored 18 goals for his club between December 19, 2022 and August 20, 2023.
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