So the Best FIFA Awards swung back around on Monday, and it proved to be quite the show.
FIFA, having held their inaugural ceremony in Zurich back in January, held the event in London this time around. And with Cristiano Ronaldo claiming the top prize earlier in the year, the Portuguese superstar was looking to get his hands on the silverware again.
Things kicked off, unofficially, with a few interviews on the outside. And it was announced that Brazilian legend Pele was unable to make it as he was celebrating his 77th birthday, but his perennial rival Diego Maradona didn’t dare miss the show.
Ronaldo’s entrance was reported to have caused quite the stir. And for what it’s worth, the Real Madrid man commanded a bit more awe than Lionel Messi, according to a presenter.
Best FIFA Men’s Player 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo
As many expected, Ronaldo retained his crown as the best male player in world football, it’s going to be pretty hard to knock him off this perch, unless we’re talking about aging.
Best FIFA Women’s Player 2017:
Dutch 24-year-old Barcelona female star Lieke Martens was the one to steal this award away from the last (or first) winner, Carli Lloyd.
The FIFA FIFPro World XI 2017:
Was made up of Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Sergio Ramos, Leonardo Bonucci, Marcelo, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar.
FIFA Fair Play Award 2017: Francis Kone
Zbrojovka Brno forward Francis Kone, who has saved four opponents’ lives on the pitch through emergency first-aid, was the one who claimed the FIFA Fair Play Award for 2017.
The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2017: Sarina Wiegman
And the outstanding woman to snatch the Best Women’s Coach 2017 award was none other than Netherland’s boss,
FIFA Fan Award 2017: Celtic FC
Celtic’s fans were the select group to win the FIFA Fan Award for 2017 for their brilliant display.
Best FIFA Goalkeeper 2017: Gianlugi Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy and Juventus stopper, took home the Best FIFA Goalkeeper 2017 award, to the delight of teammate Lonardo Bonucci, who had him down to win it.
Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2017: Zinedine Zidane
The second award of the night went to Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane, who beat Antonio Conte and Max Allegri to the FIFA Men’s Coach 2017 accolade.
FIFA Puskas Award 2017: Olivier Giroud
Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud took the first available award on the night, claiming the FIFA Puskas Award for 2017 as a result of his ‘scorpion kick’ from last season.
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