Disagreements and Reflections on the 2023 FIFA Best Player Award

Recently, FIFA announced its decision to award Lars (Luca) Modric the title of the World's Best Player. This sparked a mixed reaction, with some expressing agreement and others voicing their disagreement. The debate centers around the fairness of the award and the validity of the voting process.

Questioning the FIFA Best Player Award

Many detractors question the value of awards such as the Ballon d'Or and the FIFA Best Player. They argue that these accolades are often the result of biased voting, with some pointing out the reminiscent nature of the process to something akin to the Eurovision Song Contest. This narrative of backroom deals and nepotism has led to a critical reassessment of the criteria for these prestigious honors.

Modric's Victory and Collective Effort

Luca Modric's victory was indeed based on the opinions of the voting groups, which included national team coaches, captains, media personnel, and fans. Some argue that this individual accolade does not fully reflect his team's collective effort. Even in the 2018 World Cup, Modric's performance was noteworthy, but it should not overshadow the contributions of other players such as Ivan Perisic and Domagoj Vida. On the other hand, forwards like Harry Kane, Eden Hazard, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann, and others also had stellar performances, which might have warranted consideration for similar recognition.

Debate on Fairness and Bias

The integrity of the voting process has been called into question by many who believe that it is not entirely fair. A closer look at the voting groups reveals that national team coaches and captains often vote for their own players or teammates, creating a potential conflict of interest. Additionally, concerns about media personnel being influenced by bribes or industry standards, and fans voting based on personal biases, are all valid criticisms.

Voting Group Makeup and Bias

The voting groups consist of four main categories: national team coaches, national team captains, select media personnel, and fans. Each group has its own potential blindspots and biases. National team coaches and captains often vote for their club mates or fellow countrymen, media personnel can be influenced by various factors such as financial incentives, and fans generally vote for their favorite players and teams.

Debate and Conclusion

Despite these criticisms, it is important to acknowledge that the decision was made on the basis of the opinions of a wide range of stakeholders. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and others also had successful seasons, yet Modric's championship-winning performance with Real Madrid and his role in Croatia's World Cup journey warranted the award. The debate on who deserved to win remains open, but it is undeniable that the new winner brought delight and new perspectives to the debate about the best player in the world.

Conclusion

While the process of awarding the FIFA Best Player may not be perfect, it is a reflection of the opinions and perspectives of a variety of football experts and fans. Whether or not one agrees with the decision, it serves as a reminder that evaluating the best player in the world is a deeply subjective and complex task. As football continues to evolve, so too will the methods by which we recognize its finest performers.