| Reading time: 2 minutes
Real Madrid stars boycott world footballer election The result of the vote does not seem to suit the club. Real defender David Alaba, who was allowed to vote as Austria’s captain, causes additional turmoil.
NEven last May, Paris was the place of bliss for Real Madrid. In the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, Los Blancos were crowned the best club side in Europe. 1-0 in the Champions League final against Liverpool. Nine months later, the French capital is just a black spot on the map for Real. At the FIFA world footballer elections under the Eiffel Tower on Monday evening, they largely watched from afar. Only sports director Emilio Butragueño was there when his players went away empty-handed.
Striker Karim Benzema lost against Lionel Messi. Coach Carlo Ancelotti versus Lionel Scaloni. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois against Emiliano Martínez. The world champions from Argentina determined the impressions of the voters, no place for the Spanish champions and European Supercup and Champions League winners. “Real Madrid were passed over at The Best gala,” wrote Spanish newspaper As.
Officially, the real stars were absent due to the tight schedule with the Clásico against FC Barcelona in the cup on Thursday. Unofficially, the Spanish media report, however, in protest against the award and the non-consideration of their young star Vinicius Junior on the 26-player shortlist for the world eleven. At least Courtois, Benzema, Luka Modrić and Casemiro, who has since moved to Manchester United, made it there.
Real Madrid also caused a stir the other way around – on the side of the voters. Specifically, it is about the votes of David Alaba, who was allowed to vote as captain of the Austrian national team. The Madrilenians’ centre-back gave Messi five points, while team-mate Benzema only got second place and only three points. PSG star Kylian Mbappé followed in third place.
Alaba explains himself
He has not made himself popular with Real fans. The placement of Benzema behind Messi caused great displeasure, which was reflected on social networks. The hashtag “Alabaout” trended under the latest Instagram post, with the supporters even demanding that the 30-year-old be thrown out.
On Tuesday morning, Alaba made a statement on social media in response. “The Austrian team votes together for this award, not me alone. Everyone – and especially Karim – knows how much I appreciate him and his achievements. I’ve said many times that he’s the best striker in the world and that’s still the case. Without a doubt,” he wrote.
Teammate Modrić, who also has voting rights as captain of the Croatian national team, avoided such discussions. He put Benzema in first place, followed by Messi and Mbappé.