Fans left scratching their heads as Man City player makes it on FIFA The Best shortlist

On Jan 12, 2023

Baffled football fans have been left scratching their heads at the appearance of Julian Alvarez on FIFA’s The Best shortlist.

The Argentina international, 22, has played 90 minutes just once for Manchester City in the 2022/23 season but has still somehow managed to wangle his way into contention for FIFA‘s ultimate individual honour.

Largely down to the performances of Erling Haaland, who is also on the shortlist after rattling in a staggering 27 goals since his summer move from Borussia Dortmund, Alvarez has seen his game time limited at the Etihad Stadium. Though the Argentine forward has managed to claim three goals in three starts for the Premier League champions.

Thankfully for Alvarez, the 2022 award takes into consideration performances between August 2021 and December 2022, covering the time period in which he bagged South American Footballer of the Year whilst at River Plate. Yet, football fans still aren’t convinced about the inclusion of the World Cup winner among the game’s greatest players – especially considering the absence of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

“Why is Alvarez there he just spawned 3 months ago,” slammed one supporter. “Why the f*** is Julian Alvarez on there,” blasted a second. “Don’t trust anyone who thinks ALVAREZ played better than Ronaldo. I’ve never seen such disrespect,” translates a third comment.

“How can you claim a big individual trophy if you don’t play every game for your club,” quizzed a fourth. While a fifth simply stated: “Alvarez lol”.

HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Julian Alvarez right to have been included in FIFA’s 14-man shortlist? Let us know in the comments section below

Both Alvarez and Erling Haaland have been nominated

Lionel Messi won the award in 2019
(Image: AFP/Getty Images)

The 14-man shortlist for the award was announced on Thursday (January 12) with Lionel Messi the standout contender following his mesmerising displays at the 2022 World Cup. Leading Argentina to their third title, Messi became the first player to score in every round of football’s greatest competition, claiming a second Golden Ball in the process.

PSG team-mates Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Achraf Hakimi all feature on the shortlist with Robert Lewandowski out to defend his crown after scooping up the previous two awards. Voting is open until February 3rd when the 14-man shortlist will be whittled down to the final three ahead of next month’s ceremony.

FIFA’s 14-man shortlist: Julian Alvarez, Jude Bellingham, Karim Benzema, Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland, Achraf Hakimi, Robert Lewandowski, Sadio Mane, Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Luka Modric, Neymar, Mohamed Salah, Vinicius Junior