Ronaldo & Messi included in top 10 players with highest percentage of MOTM awards named

Lionel Messi’s reign over global football is underscored once more in another statistical chart where he sits at the pinnacle.

In 2023, Messi secured his eighth Ballon d’Or, followed by claiming the FIFA Best Men’s Player award in early January, further enriching his array of individual accolades.

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The all-time leading goal-scorer for Barcelona has undeniably amassed an impressive collection of honors, to the extent that he even graciously bestowed one upon his teammate.

However, recent findings reveal that Messi is also significantly ahead in terms of Man of the Match (MOTM) awards, boasting the highest percentage by a considerable margin.

GiveMeSport meticulously analyzed data spanning from 2009 onwards across Europe’s premier leagues to compile a top ten list brimming with stellar names.

During his tenures at Barcelona and PSG, Messi has been awarded MOTM 324 times, translating to an impressive percentage of 51.6%.

He comfortably surpasses his longstanding rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who, across stints with Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus, has garnered 176 MOTM awards in 612 appearances, equating to a percentage of 28.8%, marginally ahead of Neymar.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic claims the fourth spot with a percentage of 24.2% from 396 matches, closely trailed by Kylian Mbappe, rounding off the top five.

Erling Haaland (21.5%) and Kevin De Bruyne (19.3%), representing Manchester City, feature prominently for their outstanding performances in the Premier League and Bundesliga, respectively.

Here is the top ten in full:

1. Lionel Messi (Barcelona and PSG) – 51.6% – 324 MOTM – 628 games
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Man United, Real Madrid and Juventus) – 28.8% – 176 MOTM – 612 games
3. Neymar (Barcelona and PSG) – 26.8% – 90 MOTM – 336 games
4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Barcelona, AC Milan, PSG and Man United) – 24.2% – 96 MOTM – 396 games
5. Kylian Mbappe (Monaco and PSG) – 24% – 82 MOTM – 342 games
6. Erling Haaland (Borussia Dortmund and Man City) – 21.5% – 39 MOTM – 181 games
7. Harry Kane (Spurs and Bayern Munich) – 21.2% – 98 MOTM – 463 games
8. Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich) – 20.3% – 57 MOTM – 281 games
9. Kevin De Bruyne (Werder Bremen, Chelsea, Wolfsburg and Man City) – 19.3% – 86 MOTM – 446 games
10. Eden Hazard (Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid) – 19.2% – 100 MOTM – 520 games

JB

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