Aidan Mccall | Reporter
The second ever The Best awards took place in London. It was a night where all the best footballers would be. The ceremony was held at the London Palladium and was hosted by Idris Elba and Layla Anna-Lee.
The Best FIFA Men’s Player.
Cristiano Ronaldo took home this award after winning the same award last year. He won this because of the 42 goals he scored in 46 games in the 2016/17 season, carrying Real Madrid to a Champions League and a La Liga trophy.
He said in his speech after winning the award:
“Thank you all for voting for me. I want to give a mention to Leo and Neymar to be here tonight, Real Madrid supporters, my team-mates, my coach, my president – they all supported me all the year so I have to say thank you to them.”
The two other finalists for this award were Lionel Messi and Neymar.
The Best FIFA Woman’s Player
Lieke Martens, the Dutch player who won Euro 2017 with the Netherlands, had a season with FC Rosengård before joining Barcelona for the 2017/18 season. She bet Carlo Lloyd of the United States and the Venezuelan Deana Castellanis to take the award. She accepted the award via video link as she was on international duty with Holland.
The FIFA Puskas Award.
The French international Oliver Giroid won the Puskas Award. His stunning scorpion kick against Crystal Palace was the goal that won. He accepted the award and said,
“First of all I have to say it’s an honour for me. I’m delighted to receive this trophy today in front of legends of football. Now I’d just like to thank a couple of people who voted for me. I would like to congratulate the 10 nominees who scored amazing goals too. Obviously I would like to thank my team-mates, without them I couldn’t score maybe this goal, and my family.”
Men’s Coach Of The Year
Zinidine Zidane won this award. He’s the first ever coach to win back to back Champions League titles, beating Juventus in the final. He also led Real Madrid to a La Liga title. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and Juventus boss were also shortlisted.
Best Goalkeeper
This award went to the 39 year old Italian Gianluigi Buffon who had competition from Keylor Navas and Manuel Neuer. The Italian manged 600 Champions League minutes without conceding a goal. He said in his speech after accepting the award.
“I am very happy, for me it is a great honour to receive this award at my age. I think the last year has been fantastic season for Juventus and for me personally. It wasn’t enough to win in Europe and for this year I hope that we can play better with the national team and Juventus.”
Woman’s Coach Of The Year
Sarina Wiegman the Dutch National Team coach took home this award. She lead the Netherlands to the Euro 2017 final, winning it on home soil. She follows the footsteps of legendary names of woman’s football by winning the Woman’s Coach Of The Year.
Fair Play Award
Francis Kobe saved the life of a goalkeeping Martin Berkoved. Kobe gave the player first aid treatment after he was knocked to the ground in a collision with an opposing team player. He said in an interview
“I can’t stand there, watching someone suffocate without doing something. I just can’t. I didn’t even think about it. This was my fourth time doing first aid on a football pitch. Twice in Africa and once in Thailand.”
FifPro World XI
This year team had no British footballers in it. The formation was a 4-3-3.
The goalkeeper was Gianluigi Buffon of Juventus. Paris Saint Germain’s very own Dani Alva’s was selected as well as Leonardo Bonucii. Real Madrid duo Marcelo and Sergio Ramos were the other two defenders. The midfielders had another two Real Madrid players Toni Kroc and Luka Modric. Also the Spanish playmaker Andres Iniesta. The strikers were the same three that made up the finalists for the Best Men’s Player Award. Cristian Ronaldo of Real Madrid, Neymar of Paris Saint Germain and Barcelona star Lionel Messi. 
Best Fan Award
The best fan award went to Celtic supporters. This recognised the 50th anniversary for the Lisbon Lions. This was a 360-degree Tito that went all the way round the stadium. They were chosen by football fans all around the world.
This years award ceremony was a ceremony that will never be forgotten in FIFA or the London Paladium.
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