Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been criticised for showing a lack of respect by not showing up for the FIFA Best Awards. Both players made it into the FIFA Fifpro World 11 but decided against attending in person to receive their trophies. Ronaldo had already snubbed the UEFA awards not so long ago and it would appear that he was disgruntled at missing out on the main trophy this year at the Best Awards.
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Modric wins Best Men’s Player Award
The no-show from the two biggest stars of world football caused quite a stir and whilst Modric was fairly polite in his reflection of their absence, the same could not be said for the thoughts from others. Modric said: “Everyone has their own reasons (for their absence). Obviously, I would have liked them to be here but they aren’t.” We will see if Ronaldo and Messi will show up at the Ballon d’Or 2018 Award show, where Modric has the biggest chance to win the upcoming FIFA award.
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Former Italy manager Fabio Capello was less forgiving, telling reporters: “The absence of Ronaldo and Messi? It is a lack of respect, for the players, for FIFA and for the world of football.”
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Croatia legend Suker has his say on Ronaldo and Messi no-shows
David Suker, the Croatian legend, probably summed up the absences in the most appropriate way by saying: “You have to be a gentleman when you win, but also when you lose.”
The absence of the two players will certainly have been felt as disrespectful from the powers at FIFA and it is a real blow for sportsmanship, with so many young viewers seeing how their idols have behaved in failing to turn up for the prestigious ceremony.
Other news from the Best Awards
Mo Salah was disappointed to not make the team of the year, despite being in the top three for the Best Men’s Player. He did pick up the Puskas Award for the goal he scored against Everton but the omission from the top 11 was a big talking point after the ceremony. Another seemingly strange decision was David De Gea making the World 11, whilst it was Thibaut Courtois that was named Best Goalkeeper.
