Have a look at the meaning of the Superior Player of the Match award in the 2025 FIFA Football Club World Cup
As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup tournament kicks off with new features, the Superior Player Award comes as a revamp of the traditional Man of the Match award, find out more below about it.
The Club World Cup is currently underway in the United States with a new format featuring 32 global teams.
What is the ‘Superior Player of the Match’ football award in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, who is it given to, meaning and rule explained
🇿🇦 Iqraam Rayners becomes the first African player to win the Superior Player of the Match award at the Club World Cup! ✨
History made. 🌍👏#ClubWorldCupwithMicky | #FIFAClubWorldCup #Sundowns #UlsanHD pic.twitter.com/plMmiGZSKY
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 18, 2025
The tournament has so far seen a mix of reactions as some matches have drawn big crowds, while others are seeing empty stands.
2025 Club World Cup: Superior Player Award
This year’s tournament features a series of new features, including Ref Cam views, individual player walk-ons, and even a trophy that opens with a key. Among all of these flashy additions is the “Superior Player Award,” which replaces the traditional Man of the Match title. The organizers of the Club World Cup gives out the “Superior Player Award” at the end of each game to recognize the standout performer of a match. The flashy rebrand is due to sponsorship and marketing goals, and adds a more commercial touch to the individual accolade.
“superior player of the match” nuke america https://t.co/ZLXFDmcoh2
— chris (@ATR3lDES) June 15, 2025
Superior Player Award criteria
The winner of the Superior Player Award is solely chosen by the fans via a public vote on FIFA+. The voting portal opens between the 60th and 88th minute of each game and each viewer can vote once per match. Voters need to be 18 or older and must be registered on the platform. This process follows the format used in the 2022 World Cup, which makes it a familiar system for global audiences.
Superior Player Award sponsors
American beer brand Michelob Ultra, are the sponsors behind the Superior Player award. Prior to all of the matches, viewers get to see ads featuring Lionel Messi, performing tricks in a hotel lobby, aligned with the award’s tagline:
Superior is worth playing for.”
Notably, Michelob has previously sponsored other football tournaments like the Concacaf Champions Cup and the 2024 Copa America. The company is also a heavy contender in serving as a sponsor for the upcoming 2028 LA Olympics.
Superior Player Award winners so far
So far, sixteen players have won the Superior Player award in the tournament, this includes:
- Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari
- Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
- Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain)
- Estevao Willian (Palmeiras)
- Igor Jesus (Botafogo)
- Pedro Neto (Chelsea)
- Miguel Merentiel (Boca Juniors)
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta (Flamengo)
- Jhon Arias (Fluminense)
- Facundo Colidio (River Plate)
- Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Sergio Ramos (Monterrey)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City)
- Gonzalo Garcia (Real Madrid)
- Oscar Gloukh (FC Salzburg)
- Randal Kolo Muani (Juventus)
Other 2025 Club World Cup awards
Aside from the Superior Player Award, the Club World Cup also features several other major honors including:
- The Golden Ball – Awarded to the tournament’s best player
- The Silver and Bronze Balls—Awarded to the second and third best player
- The Golden Boot – Awarded to the tournament’s top scorer
Meanwhile, the winning team will earn a golden emblem for their match shirts, which is valid until the next tournament in 2029.