Five players with the most man of the match awards

• The player who wins the man of the match award is the player who has had a huge impact on the pitch throughout the game. 
• The award, which strikers mostly win, can also be given to defenders, midfielders and goalkeepers. 
• Big names in the football world have collected most man of the match awards since 2009. Lionel Messi has been man of the match in 52% of the games he has played since 2009. 

The man of the match award is presented to the player who has had the biggest impact in a game. The award can be used to measure how effective a player is for his team. 

It is not a must for a player to find the back of a net or assist a goal to be the man of the match. A goalkeeper or defender who has been solid throughout the match can also win the award. 

Big names in the football world, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, have won numerous man of the match. 

This article will discuss the five players with the most man of the match awards since 2009. 

5. Neymar Jr. – 88 

Neymar Jr. is one of the most talented players of his generation. The playmaker makes a difference when on the pitch for both club and country. 

Neymar’s form has declined in recent seasons. However, the Brazilian international has been doing since Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser al-Khelaïfi singled him out for criticism. Neymar has been PSG’s key player since the start of this season.

Neymar Jr. makes a difference when on the pitch for both club and country. Photo/ Extra.ie.

He has scored eight goals and provided six assists for the Parisians this season across all seasons. Neymar’s recent performances have seen him add to his man of the match awards tally.

The brilliant Brazilian has so far won 88 man of the match awards, which is 27% of the games he has played in since 2009. 

4. Eden Hazard – 100 

Eden Hazard is one of the most technically gifted players. The Belgian star was an absolute phenomenal during his time at Chelsea. However, he has struggled at Real Madrid due to injuries and fitness issues. 

Hazard is one of the players with the most man of the match awards. The Real Madrid attacker has won 100 man of the match awards since 2009. And that means he has been the difference in 19% of the games he has played over the last 13 years. 

Eden Hazard was impressive at the pre-season friendlies. However, the 31-year-old is still struggling for playing time in Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side. 

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 116

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the greatest strikers of all time. At 40, the legendary attacker is still a menace to opposition defenders. 

Ibrahimovic has won 116 man of the match awards since 2009. He has won the awards in 26% of the games he has played in. 

During that period, Zlatan has played for Inter Milan, FC Barcelona, AC Milan, Paris Saint Germain, Manchester United and LA Galaxy. He is currently at AC Milan after rejoining the club in 2020.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has collected 116 man of the match awards. Photo/ DMARGE.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 175 

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the best footballers the world has ever seen. The Portuguese forward has been the man of the match 175 times in his career for club and country. He has been the difference maker in 30% of the games he has played since 2009.  

Ronaldo has also won numerous other individual awards due to his outstanding performance. He has set records while playing for the Portuguese national team, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus. 

The 37-year-old is the leading goalscorer in the UEFA Champions League and men’s international football. Ronaldo has won the Ballon d’Or award five times in his career. 

1. Lionel Messi – 306 

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest footballer of all time. The Argentine international is almost unstoppable with the ball at his feet. 

Messi has won 306 man of the match awards since 2009. The playmaker has made the difference in 52% of the games he has played since his FC Barcelona days. 

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker struggled in his Ligue 1 debut season. However, he has been on form since the start of this season.

Lionel Messi. Photo/ Sky Sports.

At 35, Lionel Messi will be Argentina’s main man at Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup.