Austrian and Real Madrid left-back David Alaba has been lambasted by Los Blancos fans for voting for former Barcelona forward Lionel Messi for FIFA’s “The Best” men’s footballer of the year award.
Last night, the Argentina World Cup-winning captain won the best male footballer of the year 2022 award in Paris.
The PSG forward won the award for the second time, having previously won it in 2019.
Messi defeated Qatar World Cup final hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe and reigning Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema with 52 votes to scoop the award.
Mbappe came second with 44 points while Benzema was third with 34 points.
RELATED ARTICLE: Lionel Messi’s hearty message after winning his second FIFA ‘The Best’ award
However, Real Madrid fans are not pleased after learning that their star defender, Alaba, voted for Messi over his teammate Benzema.
Following widespread condemnation from his club’s fans, who are questioning his loyalty, the Austrian captain has broken his silence.
“Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team vote for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council is able to vote and that’s how it’s decided. Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances,” Alaba tweeted on Tuesday Morning.
“And I have often said that for me he is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without doubt,” added Alaba.
National team coaches and captains, journalists, and fans all over the world had a chance to vote for the FIFA Best Men’s Player award.
The awards saw outstanding performers in the year 2022 receive various awards in their respective categories.
The Best FIFA Award winners for the year 2022
Spanish women’s National Team star Alexia Putellas won the best female footballer of the year.
England Women’s National Team goalkeeper Mary Earps and Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez won the best goalkeeper of the year awards.
Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman & Argentina World Cup-winning coach Lionel Scaloni were the best female and male coaches of the year.
Polish amputee footballer, Marcin Oleksy won the Puskás award for his incredible bicycle kick goal.
