David Alaba: Why I voted Messi over Benzema for FIFA award

Caretaker February 28, 2023

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Austria captain David Alaba has taken to Instagram to explain why he voted for Lionel Messi over Real Madrid teammate Karim Benzema for the FIFA Best Male player award.

Messi was named FIFA Best Player of the year at the award ceremony on Monday Febuary 27, 2023, defeating Alaba’s Madrid teammate Karim Benzema to the prize.

David Alaba’s explanation follows uproar by some fans in Madrid over revelation he voted Argentine superstar Lionel Messi over Madrid teammate Karim Benzema .

The Austrian skipper in response to the story and trending #AlabaOut protests on social media said it was not his choice to make alone but that of the entire Austria national team.

” Regarding FIFA The Best Award: The Austrian national team vote for this award as a team, not me alone. Everyone in the team council is able to vote and that’s how it’s decided, ”

” Everyone knows, especially Karim, how much I admire him and his performances, ” Alaba explained.

The 30-year old Nigerian-Austrian defender is captain of the Austria national team and so had the obligation of casting votes for the FIFA awards.

Alaba and Benzema — LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 21: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid (L) celebrating his goal with his teammate David Alaba of Real Madrid (R) during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 leg one match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Anfield on February 21, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Callis/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Having joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2021 from Bayern Munich, Alaba has been a key figure in the Real Madrid team that has achieved great success over the last year.