The result of the 'Man of the Match' award at the 2022 World Cup is controversial.

The "Man Of The Match" is an official FIFA award that has appeared since 2002. In the 2002 and 2006 World Cups, this award was decided by FIFA's technical research team. However, from 2010 World Cup, it was voted on the FIFA website by spectators. From the 60th to the 88th minute of every World Cup match, every fan around the world has the opportunity to submit their vote. Fans can vote for any player who has participated in the match, whether they start or come on as a substitute with 10 minutes remaining. Any fan at legal age can vote as long as they register, whether or not they are watching the match. As a rule, fans can only vote for one player per World Cup match.

As of December 5, 2022, Lionel Messi leads all players in the number of times he has won the Best Player award in the World Cup with eight.

In the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the above award is sponsored by a major beer company. At the World Cup in Qatar, fans voted online on the FIFA Plus website. The winning player will receive a trophy with the words "PLAYER OF THE MATCH" and the company logo on it.

Because it is voted on by fans, the title "Man of the Match" is often controversial. There are concerns that the winner will be the most famous player, not the best player in the game, which is the meaning of the award.

Belgium midfielder Kevin De Bruyne was surprised when he was awarded the "Man of the Match" when his team beat Canada on November 24.

"I don't think I had a great game. I don't understand why I got this award. probably because of my name. The whole team didn't play well in the last match." - De Bruyne said

Another controversial case is that Cristiano Ronaldo was voted "Man of the Match" after Portugal won 3-2 over Ghana in the match on November 24. Cristiano Ronaldo scored from the penalty spot in this match, but many people think Bruno Fernandes deserves more when he made two assists in the match.

Gareth Bale's selection as Man of the Match in the match between Wales and the United States is also contentious. Although the former Real Madrid player scored one goal on the 11-meter mark in the match, he seemed to be completely overshadowed when confronting the USA’s defense.

Other controversial winners are Christian Pulisic in the 0-0 draw between the US and England (November 26) and Frenkie de Jong in the 1-1 draw between Ecuador and the Netherlands (November 25).

Besides, not all players are excited to receive the award. France's Kylian Mbappe deliberately covered the sponsor's name when he received the Player of the Match award three times at the 2022 World Cup. One of the reasons for this action is that the 23-year-old striker did not want the promotion of alcoholic beverages.

Four years ago, Egypt's goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy refused to accept the award after his outstanding performance against Uruguay. The reason is that this player is a Muslim and says no to alcohol.

However, following the controversy surrounding the award of "Man of the Match" in the group stage matches, the knockout round determined which players deserved this honor. The case of Yassine Bounou is an example. This goalkeeper saved three 11-meter kicks in the penalty shootout against Spain and helped Morocco reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup for the first time. Fans hope that there will not be any more controversy surrounding the award for the best player at this World Cup.