Top 10 players with most man of the match in football history (ranked)

The Man of the Match award (MOTM) is handed out to the best performer in a specific game. The player can from either team win the prestigious award, which acknowledges a footballer’s profound influence on the result of the game. A player winning this award consistently reflects his prowess as a player on the main stage.

Let’s take a look at the Top 10 most Man of the Match in football history.

1. Lionel Messi – 395

The 2022 World Cup winner has been named Man of the Match for more than half of the games he played since 2009. Lionel Messi, eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has continued to operate at a level that consistently sets him apart from the rest of the legends of the game. He currently plays for MLS side Inter Miami and has bagged a whopping 395 MOTM awards in his professional career and has shown no signs of slowing down.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo – 176

Often regarded as one the most clutch players in the history of football, Cristiano Ronaldo has accumulated 176 Man of the Match awards during his memorable spells with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and Al Nassr. The Portuguese legend has achieved everything in his career but even mere stats like this will both the perfectionist. No points for guessing who finishes above “Mr. Champions League.”

3. Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 116

The Swedish striker will easily go down as one of the lethal strikers of the sport who has terrorized defenders and goalkeepers with his technical abilities and raw finishing. Ibrahimovic is the oldest player to appear on the list but has several honours under his belt, including the 116 Man of the Match awards in his professional career.

4. Eden Hazard – 100

The Chelsea legend was known for his exceptional playmaking and goalscoring abilities and carried the Blues on his back for several years in the Premier League. Despite, a turbulent spell at Real Madrid where injuries and fitness have hampered his game time – Hazard has cemented his status as one of the standout attackers in modern football accumulating an incredible 100 Man of the Match accolades in his time between 2009 and 2023.

5. Robert Lewandowski – 96

The Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund legend who’s currently plying his trade with Barcelona is widely recognized as one of the best strikers in modern football. Lewandowski earned his spot among the best players of his generation and the constant impact he brings to the team collectively.

6. Neymar – 90

The little man from Brazil was one of the brightest prospects in world football during his spells at both Barcelona and PSG. Despite playing in one of the mediocre leagues in Europe, Neymar has been a joy to watch due to his incredible skills and knack for goals that earned him 90 Match of the Man awards.

7. Luis Suarez – 65

The Uruguayan goal machine has been one of the consistent strikers in the modern era which has helped him accumulate a remarkable 65 MOTM awards. He left his indelible mark at Liverpool, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and a few more.

8. Gareth Bale – 62

Regarded as one of the greatest footballers in Europe, Gareth Bale left Real Madrid in 2022 after securing three La Liga titles and five Champions League trophies. He has produced an insane number of highlight reel moments, including his memorable solo goal against Barcelona in the 2014 Copa del Rey final. The former Spurs winger has picked up 62 Man of the Match awards before hanging his boots in 2023.

8. Antoine Griezmann – 58

The Frenchman has won 58 Man of the Match awards while playing for three different clubs in the Spanish top-flight, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Real Sociedad. His global stardom after his controversial move to Barcelona soared, but some major injuries and form prevented him from making his mark at Camp Nou, and he ultimately returned to Atletico where he regained his previous form.

9. Arturo Vidal – 53

The Chilean midfielder had an illustrious career and enjoyed spells at some of the most influential clubs in Europe like Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Barcelona. Vidal now plays for his boyhood club Colo-Colo, marking a special beginning for the veteran who is in the twilight of his career.

10. Marco Reus – 50

The Borussia Dortmund will end his 12-year spell with the German club at the end of this season. Reus came through the BVB academy and has played 426 games, bagging 169 goals and assisting another 130. Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to loyalty, Reus has become a true icon in the world of football which extends beyond individual brilliance.

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