Top 10 Players With Most Man of the Match Awards in Football History

The Significance of the Man of the Match Award in Football History. 

The Man of the Match (MOTM) award stands as one of the highest individual honors a footballer can receive during a game. Unlike trophies or season-long accolades, this recognition is awarded based on a player’s immediate impact in a single match, making it one of the purest measures of performance excellence.

What Makes the MOTM Award So Prestigious?

The MOTM award is given to the most influential player in a match, regardless of which team wins or loses. This means even in defeat, an outstanding individual performance can be recognized. The criteria for selection varies but typically considers:

• Match-winning contributions (goals, assists, key passes)

• Defensive masterclasses (crucial tackles, interceptions, clean sheets)

• Overall dominance (control of midfield, leadership, game-changing moments)

Unlike seasonal awards (like Player of the Year), the MOTM is instant recognition—a snapshot of brilliance that separates great players from legendary ones.

Why Does Consistency in MOTM Awards Matter?

Winning one MOTM award is impressive, but accumulating dozens or hundreds over a career? That’s the mark of a true footballing icon. Players who consistently earn this honor prove they can:
✔ Perform under pressure (in finals, derbies, must-win games)
✔ Adapt to different systems (club vs. country, different managers)
✔ Elevate their team (single-handedly change games)

This is why the all-time MOTM leaders are almost always the same names we associate with football greatness—players like Messi, Ronaldo, and Zlatan, who didn’t just play well occasionally but dominated matches for decades.

How Are MOTM Awards Decided?

The selection process differs based on competition:

• Fan Voting (common in leagues like MLS, where supporters pick via apps)

• Media/Journalist Panels (used in UEFA Champions League, World Cup)

• Broadcasters/Commentators (often decide in domestic leagues)

In some cases, official sponsors (like Budweiser in the Premier League) award it, while in others, the coaching staff of both teams may have input.

The Evolution of the MOTM Award

Historically, MOTM awards weren’t as formally tracked as they are today. In the 1990s and early 2000s, they were mostly given in cup finals or high-profile matches. However, with the rise of advanced stats and fan engagement, almost every competitive match now awards one.

This makes modern players’ MOTM tallies higher than past legends (like Maradona or Pelé), simply because the award is now given more frequently.

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Top 10 Players With Most Man of the Match Awards

Below is the updated ranking (2024) of players with the most MOTM awards in football history. These numbers reflect official recorded awards from top leagues, UEFA competitions, and international matches.

Breakdown of Each Player’s Achievements

10. Arturo Vidal – 53 MOTM Awards

Arturo Vidal, nicknamed “The Warrior,” was one of the most complete midfielders of his generation. The Chilean international built his reputation as a box-to-box destroyer who could dominate games with his physicality, tactical intelligence, and leadership. His career highlights include successful stints at Juventus, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona, where he won multiple league titles and cups.

Vidal’s ability to perform in big matches made him a consistent Man of the Match winner. Whether it was his tenacious tackling, late runs into the box, or crucial goals, he always stepped up when his team needed him most. Some of his most memorable performances came in Champions League knockout games and Serie A title deciders, where his energy and aggression often tilted the balance in his team’s favor.

Despite moving to Inter Milan and later Flamengo, Vidal remained a key player well into his 30s. His 53 MOTM awards reflect his impact across different leagues and competitions, proving he was more than just a hardman—he was a match-winner.

9. Antoine Griezmann – 58 MOTM Awards

Antoine Griezmann is one of the most technically gifted forwards of the modern era. The Frenchman first made his mark at Real Sociedad before becoming a superstar at Atletico Madrid, where he developed into one of the best attackers in La Liga. His versatility allowed him to play as a second striker, winger, or even a false nine, making him a nightmare for defenders.

Griezmann’s big-game mentality has been crucial for both club and country. He played a pivotal role in France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, including a Man of the Match performance in the final. At Atletico, he was the main man under Diego Simeone, delivering clutch goals and assists in crucial matches.

Although his time at Barcelona was mixed, he still managed to contribute with important performances. Since returning to Atletico, he has rediscovered his best form, proving that he remains one of the most consistent match-winners in football. With 58 MOTM awards, Griezmann’s ability to influence games at the highest level is undeniable.

8. Gareth Bale – 62 MOTM Awards

Gareth Bale’s career was defined by explosive pace, thunderous strikes, and unforgettable moments. The Welshman rose to fame at Tottenham Hotspur, where his incredible solo runs and long-range goals made him one of the most exciting players in the Premier League. His move to Real Madrid in 2013 turned him into a global superstar.

Bale’s time at Madrid was filled with iconic performances, including his unstoppable solo goal in the 2014 Copa del Rey final against Barcelona and his bicycle kick in the 2018 Champions League final. Despite injuries and inconsistent playing time in his later years, Bale always delivered when it mattered most, earning him 62 MOTM awards.

Even in his final years at Los Angeles FC and Wales, Bale showed glimpses of his brilliance, proving he could still change games with his talent. His legacy as one of the most clutch players in football history is secure, thanks to his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest matches.

7. Luis Suarez – 65 MOTM Awards

Luis Suarez is arguably the most lethal striker of the 2010s. The Uruguayan’s combination of aggression, movement, and clinical finishing made him a nightmare for defenders. His peak years at Liverpool (2013-14 season), where he nearly carried the Reds to a Premier League title, showcased his ability to single-handedly dominate games.

At Barcelona, Suarez formed part of the legendary MSN trio (Messi-Suarez-Neymar), terrorizing defenses and winning the Champions League in 2015. His intelligence, work rate, and ability to score from any angle made him a constant MOTM contender. Even at Atletico Madrid, he proved he could still decide games, helping them win La Liga in 2021.

Now playing for Inter Miami, Suarez continues to show his class. His 65 MOTM awards highlight his consistency across different leagues and stages of his career. Few strikers in history have matched his ability to turn games around with sheer willpower and skill.

6. Neymar Jr. – 90 MOTM Awards

Neymar’s career has been a mix of unparalleled talent, controversy, and bad luck with injuries. Yet, when fit, he remains one of the most entertaining and effective players in the world. His early years at Santos made him a Brazilian sensation, and his move to Barcelona saw him form the greatest attacking trio ever with Messi and Suarez.

At PSG, Neymar was expected to lead the team to Champions League glory. While injuries hampered his time in France, he still produced magical performances, including unforgettable dribbles, assists, and goals. His ability to take over games earned him 90 MOTM awards, proving his status as one of the most skilled playmakers in football history.

Now back at Santos, Neymar aims to rediscover his best form. If he stays fit, he could still add to his MOTM tally before retirement.

5. Robert Lewandowski – 96 MOTM Awards

Robert Lewandowski stands as one of the most complete strikers in football history. The Polish hitman’s journey from Lech Poznan to becoming Bayern Munich’s all-time second-highest scorer is a testament to his incredible consistency and goal-scoring prowess. At Borussia Dortmund, he announced himself to the world with his four-goal demolition of Real Madrid in the 2013 Champions League semifinal – a performance that earned him one of his many MOTM awards.

Lewandowski’s move to Bayern Munich saw him reach even greater heights. His nine-goal haul in just five minutes against Wolfsburg in 2015 remains one of the most astonishing individual performances in Bundesliga history. During Bayern’s 2020 treble-winning season, Lewandowski was virtually unstoppable, scoring in nearly every important match and collecting MOTM awards at a remarkable rate.

Now at Barcelona, Lewandowski continues to demonstrate why he’s considered among the elite. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to perform in big games have earned him 96 MOTM awards – a number that keeps growing as he shows no signs of slowing down despite being in his mid-30s.

4. Eden Hazard – 100 MOTM Awards

Eden Hazard’s prime at Chelsea showcased one of the most entertaining and effective wingers of the modern era. The Belgian magician combined sublime dribbling skills with incredible balance and vision, making him nearly unplayable at his peak. His 2014-15 and 2018-19 campaigns were particularly spectacular, as he almost single-handedly carried Chelsea to Premier League titles in both seasons.

Hazard’s ability to take over games was second to none. Defenders knew what he was going to do – cut inside from the left – but still couldn’t stop him. His performances in big matches against the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham were consistently brilliant, earning him numerous MOTM awards. Even in his final season at Chelsea, he produced one last masterclass in the Europa League final against Arsenal.

While his Real Madrid stint was marred by injuries, Hazard’s 100 MOTM awards stand as proof of his incredible talent and match-winning ability during his Chelsea years. When at his best, few players could influence a game like the Belgian wizard.

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 116 MOTM Awards

Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career is the stuff of legend. The Swedish striker dominated in four different leagues (Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and Premier League), leaving his mark everywhere he played. What made Zlatan special wasn’t just his goals, but his ability to produce moments of pure magic when his team needed it most.

At PSG, he was virtually unstoppable, scoring outrageous goals and leading the team to multiple league titles. His four-goal performance against England in 2012 remains one of the greatest international displays ever seen. Even in his 30s at Manchester United, he delivered crucial goals in cup finals and derby matches.

Zlatan’s confidence matched his talent – he knew he was the best player on the pitch and usually proved it. His 116 MOTM awards reflect his ability to consistently be the difference-maker throughout his long career across Europe’s top leagues.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 176 MOTM Awards

Cristiano Ronaldo‘s career is a masterclass in sustained excellence. From his early days as a tricky winger at Manchester United to becoming one of the most lethal goalscorers in history at Real Madrid, Ronaldo has consistently delivered match-winning performances for nearly two decades.

His time at Real Madrid was particularly remarkable. Season after season, Ronaldo delivered in the biggest matches – his hat-tricks against Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, his clutch goals in El Clasico, and his numerous decisive performances in finals. Even in his 30s at Juventus and now at Al-Nassr, he continues to be his team’s main man, regularly earning MOTM awards.

What sets Ronaldo apart is his incredible work ethic and determination to be the best. His 176 MOTM awards are a testament to his ability to consistently perform at the highest level year after year, in multiple leagues and competitions.

1. Lionel Messi – 395 MOTM Awards

Lionel Messi‘s 395 MOTM awards represent perhaps the most astonishing individual statistic in football history. The Argentine genius has been so consistently brilliant that he’s won the award in more than 40% of all the games he’s played since 2009.

Messi’s ability to dominate matches is unparalleled. Whether it’s through his mesmerizing dribbling, pinpoint passing, or clinical finishing, he finds ways to influence games like no other player. His performances in big matches – the 2011 Champions League final, the 2022 World Cup, countless El Clasicos – are the stuff of legend.

Even in his later years at PSG and now at Inter Miami, Messi continues to produce magic. His vision and understanding of the game have only improved with age, allowing him to control matches even when not scoring. The gap between Messi’s 395 MOTM awards and Ronaldo’s 176 shows just how consistently influential he’s been throughout his career.

FAQs: Most Man of the Match Awards

❓ Who has the most Man of the Match awards in history?
✅ Lionel Messi (395), followed by Cristiano Ronaldo (176). The gap between them (219 awards) is larger than Ronaldo’s entire lead over third-placed Zlatan Ibrahimovic (60 awards).

❓ How many MOTM awards does Neymar have?
✅ 90 (as of 2024). Despite his injury struggles in recent years, Neymar remains one of the most impactful players when fit, with his creativity and flair earning him consistent recognition.

❓ Is Messi’s MOTM record unbeatable?
✅ Given his huge lead and the fact he’s still adding to his tally in MLS, it’s extremely unlikely anyone will surpass him in the foreseeable future. The next active player, Ronaldo, would need to maintain his current MOTM rate for another 8-10 years to catch up.

❓ Which active player is closest to Messi’s record?
✅ Cristiano Ronaldo (176), but he’s 219 behind Messi. At 39 years old and playing in Saudi Arabia, it’s improbable he’ll bridge that gap before retirement.

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Final Verdict: The Ultimate Match-Winners

While football has seen many incredible players who could decide games, the MOTM statistics reveal a clear hierarchy of influence:

Lionel Messi (395 MOTM) stands alone as the most consistently dominant player in history. His ability to control games through multiple means (dribbling, passing, scoring) made him a near-automatic MOTM candidate throughout his prime.

Cristiano Ronaldo (176 MOTM) represents the pinnacle of goalscoring consistency and clutch performances. His athleticism and finishing made him a constant threat in every match.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic (116 MOTM) showcased that a striker could be both prolific and spectacular, delivering memorable moments across Europe’s top leagues.

The gap between these legends and the rest (Neymar 90, Hazard 100) shows just how exceptional their careers have been. What’s most remarkable is that Messi’s MOTM tally isn’t just better – it’s in a completely different stratosphere, underlining his status as perhaps the most influential player the game has ever seen.