Top five players with most Man of the Match awards in FIFA World Cup 2022

The Qatar tournament is finally over

The FIFA World Cup 2022 has been absolutely thrilling. At the biggest competition in the world, many players have maintained their class consistently. Whilst many big teams crashed out, some players performed consistently and won various MOTM awards (Man Of The Match). The Man Of The Match award is presented to a player who usually scores a crucial goal or overall has a direct contribution in winning the match. Let's take a look at the top 5 players with Most Man Of The Match awards in FIFA World Cup 2022:

5. Yassine Bounou - 2

Morocco were placed in Group F along with Belgium, Croatia and Canada. Considering Belgium and Croatia's squad,many deemed Morocco to stand last in the table. Not only did Morocco win the entire group, but they also made it to the semifinals. On their historical run to the semifinals, they beat Belgium in the group stage ,Spain in the Round Of 16 and Portugal in the Quarter Finals.

A major reason behind this victory is their goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Morocco's immovable goalkeeper was consistent throughout the tournament. But his Excellent performance against Spain earned him a Man Of The Match award. Bounou made many saves throughout 120 minutes to keep Spain at bay. Moreover Bounou also made two saves in the penalty shootout against Spain. Before France beat Morocco, the underdogs had only conceded one goal. That one goal itself was an own goal. Bounou also earned his second Man Of The Match award against Portugal.

4. Dominik Livakovic - 2

Truly the best keeper of the FIFA World Cup 2022 alongside Yassine Bounou. The main reason why Croatia were an unstoppable force in penalty shootouts is because of Livakovic. Dominik made three saves against Japan in the penalty shootouts of the Round Of 16. Even against Brazil , Livakovic stood true to the test until Neymar Jr conjured up a wonderful goal.

Nevertheless, Livakovic came in clutch in the penalty shootouts. Dominik saved the first penalty from the Brazilians. Rodrygo Goes could not convert Brazil's first penalty as Livakovic smartly saved it. This gave Croatia the momentum as they went on to beat Brazil. Livakovic won two Man Of The Match Awards for his heroics against Japan and Brazil.

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

3. Luka Modric - 3

Yet another Croatian. However he is not any ordinary player, Luka Modric is timeless. The 37-year-old midfielder is arguably one of the best midfielders in the FIFA World Cup 2022. Luka Modric earned three Man Of The Match Awards at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Modric earned his first Man Of The Match award against Belgium in the group stage match.

Modric won the award in a goalless match as managed to provide great chances in attack as well as maintain defensive discipline. The Real Madrid star was also named Man Of The Match in yet another goalless match against Morocco. Overall, Luka Modric managed to win Two Man Of The Match awards at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Truly one of the most underrated midfielders of the modern era of football.

2. Kylian Mbappe - 3

The Paris Saint Germain superstar is leading the next generation of footballers. At this rate he can end up alongside the likes of many legendary footballers. France started their World Cup defence against Australia in the Group stages. Kylian Mbappe showed up as France beat Australia 4-1. The youngster scored a goal and provided an assist as well. Mbappe showed up yet again in the Group stage against Denmark. Kylian scored two goals in the second half as France qualified to the Round Of 16. Mbappe scored yet another brace against Poland in the Round Of 16. Kylian Mbappe can also possibly become the top goalscorer at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Overall Kylian has earned three Man Of The Match awards at the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022: List of all man of the match award winners

1. Lionel Messi - 5

Who other than Lionel Messi? Argentina's hero, Lionel Messi has won the FIFA World Cup 2022. Lionel Messi is leading the charts for Most Man Of The Match awards in the history of football. Moreover, Messi is also leading the charts at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Messi can also possibly win the golden boot at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Messi has won five Man Of The Match awards at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Lionel Messi's best Man Of The Match performance was against Croatia. Messi scored a goal and provided a world class assist against Croatia in the semifinals.

**This article was last updated on 19 November 2022.