Two outlets raise concerns about FIFA’s approach to World Cup player-of-the-match awards, arguing that the current format—where fans vote—distorts how performances are perceived. The articles say the system encourages celebrity-driven narratives, with widely recognized players more likely to attract votes and public attention, regardless of whether their match impact is the most significant. They reference star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and Jude Bellingham as examples of how high-profile names can shape expectations and results for awards. The critique is not focused on any specific match, but on the broader mechanism: public voting, combined with the scale of media coverage and existing popularity, can skew recognition toward players who generate greater fan interest. Both pieces describe the outcome as predictable, suggesting that the award structure reinforces an uneven emphasis on fame rather than purely on on-field performance. Overall, the reports argue for reconsideration of how player awards are decided to better reflect match contributions.