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FC Porto responded with sharp irony after goalkeeper Diogo Costa was omitted from the 30-player shortlist for the Ballon d’Or and the 10-goalkeeper nominees for the Yashin Trophy, sparking widespread debate across European football over the selection process.
FC Porto’s Sarcastic Video Response on Social Media
The exclusion of the FC Porto captain from both prestigious Paris lists prompted an immediate and public reaction from the club’s communications team. According to coverage by A Bola, the club utilized social media to address the decision by publishing a video compilation showcasing several monumental saves executed by their number 99. Accompanying the footage, the club posted the caption: «C’est formidable! Un mur de football pour notre équipe», translating to «It’s formidable! A football wall for our team». The post served as a pointed, implicit critique of the selection panel’s choices.
Praise From Opposing Stars and International Pundits
The omission drew immediate surprise from players and analysts who watched the Portuguese international compete at the highest level. Following a high-profile UEFA Champions League fixture between FC Porto and Manchester City, opposing striker Erling Haaland remarked that if the voting shortlist had been compiled immediately after that specific match, Diogo Costa would undoubtedly have secured a nomination. Additional backing came from high-profile figures in the game, including former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who publicly expressed astonishment at the goalkeeper’s exclusion from the global lists.
Diogo Costa’s Focus Remains on Team Success
Despite the controversy and the widespread disbelief among supporters and sports analysts regarding his absence from the Yashin Trophy finalists, the 26-year-old goalkeeper has opted to deflect individual acclaim. When questioned by reporters regarding his omission from the individual accolades, Diogo Costa maintained a team-first stance, stating: «É algo que não me interessa neste momento e não tenho nada a comentar». Across domestic and international fixtures, the consensus among observers remains that the player stands firmly among the elite tier of modern goalkeepers.
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