David Alaba was criticized for his vote for Lionel Messi ahead of teammate Karim Benzema for the FIFA Best player award.
When FIFA released a list of who voted for whom at the awards, Alaba voted for Benzema second and Mbappe third. What followed after that was #AlabaOut started trending on social media.
In response, Alaba took to Instagram, saying, “The Austrian national team voted for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council can vote, and that’s how it’s decided.
“Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances, and I have often said that for me, he is the best striker in the world, and that is still the case. Without a doubt.”
Argentian forward Messi won The Best FIFA Men’s Player award on Monday ahead of France forwards Kylian Mbappe and Benzema. The voting is made up of fans, national team managers, and national team captains like Messi, as well as three hundred journalists across the world. England’s head coach Gareth Southgate, Germany’s Hansi Flick, and Morocco’s boss Walid Regragui selected Messi as The Best FIFA Men’s Player.
Last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Patellas, came out on top in a hotly-contested vote as she became the first female player to win the prize in consecutive years. Australian captain Sam Kerr was among those who voted for the midfielder as The Best FIFA Women’s Player.
Argentina boss Scaloni won The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, and Chelsea Women’s team coach Sarina Wiegman won The Best FIFA Women’s Coach.
Argentian Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. England’s Goalkeeper Mary Earps won The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper.
