10 players with most man of the match awards in World Cup history

Despite not having the trophy to their name, some of these names still hold a significant place in the history of the quadrennial mega event.

Football is a team sport, but there are some individuals that deserve recognition. From the World Cup 2002 onwards, FIFA established the man of the match award to highlight such performances. In the past few years, many greats have dominated this award. Especially Wesley Sneijder and Lionel Messi hold the record for most Man of the Matches during one World Cup. However, today we will take a look at the best players who have won most Man of the Matches.

10. Thomas Muller (Germany) - 4 wins

In the World Cups, Thomas Muller has a very good record and he has been Germany's main man for many years now. He won the golden boot in 2010 and is the winner of the man of the match award four times. His last award was in 2014, but given his current form, he can add many more to it in the near future.

9. Park Ji-sung (South Korea) - 4 wins

There is no doubt that this South Korean legend has a great history in World Cups. For his country, Park Ji-sung has played in three World Cups and played an instrumental role in each of them. Especially in the 2002 World Cup on home soil, he put on an amazing performance and won two Man of the Match awards.

8. Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 4 wins

The World Cups and Miroslav Klose are a match made in heaven. He is the all-time World Cup goal scorer with 16 goals and has won four man of the matches awards. His last World Cup appearance was in 2014, but he won all of his man of the matches awards in 2002 and 2006.

7. James Rodriguez (Columbia) - 4 wins 

Although Rodriguez won't be at this year's World Cup since Columbia failed to qualify, his career took a big turn after his heroic performances at the 2014 World Cup. He scored six goals and won the golden boot and left ever-lasting magic. He won four man of the match awards during his 2014 and 2018 world cup appearances and will be one of the major missings of the 2022 World Cup. 

6. Keisuke Honda (Japan) - 4 wins

Keisuke Honda is a legendary figure in Japanese football and particularly in World Cups, where he always rose to the occasion. He has taken his career to coaching. The former AC Milan forward is the coach of the Cambodia national team. He won four men of the match awards during the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. 

5. Eden Hazard (Belgium) - 4 wins

In World Cups, Eden Hazard has been the man of the occasion for Belgium. His four man-of-the-match awards are enough to prove his mettle. A narrow defeat to France in the semis in 2018 led the Belgian forward’s team to third place at the World Cup. But Hazard has a lot to prove this time around after his disappointing time with Real Madrid. 

4. Luis Suarez (Uruguay) - 5 wins

The World Cups and Luis Suarez has an interesting history. Although the Uruguayan has a very good record at this event, his controversial act in the quarter-finals in 2010 often overshadows his achievements. Suarez has played in three World Cups and won awards in all of them. He already has five trophies, but 2022 could be the year for some more additions.

3. Arjen Robben (Netherlands) - 6 wins

During the period 2010-2014, the Dutch national team dominated the world, and Arjen Robben was a crucial part of that dominance. Robben completely dominated the World Cups, helping the Netherlands finish second in 2010 and third in 2014. Even though Robben did not win the trophy, his name will always remain in history.

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 7 wins

Despite Portugal's poor performance at recent World Cups, Cristiano Ronaldo hasn't been deterred from giving his all. In the past three World Cups, the Portuguese legend has been a dominant force for them, winning six man-of-the-match awards. Considering that the 2022 World Cup will likely be his last, he would love to achieve another prestigious record. He collected his 7th man of the match award in the 2022 World Cup opening game against Ghana.

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 11 wins

The Argentine magician will be going to the World Cup for the sixth time in 2022. He has won six men of the match awards and the Golden Ball. However, the World Cup trophy is the only piece missing from his set. Argentina lost in the finals in 2014 where he was close to achieving his goal. Messi himself won four man of the match awards at the 2014 World Cup. Messi won his 7th man of the match award in the FIFA World Cup 2022 group-stage game Mexico. The Argentinian star is now on 11 man of the match awards after winning the World Cup 2022.

**Last updated on December 18, 2022.