FIFA's rebranded Club World Cup got underway in the United States on Saturday, but with fans expressing bafflement at the name of a new award.
Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was rewarded for his display in the 0-0 draw between Inter Miami and Egyptian side Al Ahly in the opening game.
The Inter Miami goalkeeper saved a penalty to keep Lionel Messi's side in the match.
Eagle-eyed viewers highlighted that Ustari was presented with the 'Superior Player of the Match' award, rather than the traditional man of the match prize.
The name raised plenty of eyebrows among fans who took to social media in disbelief, not just at the awkward phrasing, but what they saw as another example of football losing the plot.
'What on earth is a "superior player of the match?"' one fan posted. Another simply wrote: 'Games gone, mate.'
A third X user fumed: 'Superior player of the match? You absolute sausages. Man of the match. End of!'
And a fourth branded it: 'Utter woke nonsense!'
Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari saved eight shots — including a penalty — against Al Ahly
Miami and Al Ahly drew 0-0 on Saturday night in the first game of the 2025 Club World Cup
Ustari's reward for his remarkable performance was the 'Superior Player of the Match' award
Despite the outcry, the term is not actually the result of any recent shift in gendered language.
FIFA quietly phased out 'Man of the Match' from its international tournaments years ago. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar used the more neutral 'Player of the Match', following a similar move across many domestic leagues and competitions.
The 'Superior Player' element came as a result of one of the Club World Cup's sponsors, Michelob ULTRA.
The American beer brand carries the tagline 'Superior Light Beer'.
The branding was also used at the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Copa America — both held in the US — as part of the company's marketing drive.
Even so, some fans aren't having it. 'What the heck is "superior player'.. good Lord… FIFA is ruining football,' grumbled one such fan on X.
Another crudely joked: 'Is this for dumb Americans to understand? Blimey.'
Although many fans took issue with the name of the award, few could argue against Miami keeper Ustari being a worthy recipient.
The 38-year-old made a total of eight saves, including one from Trezeguet's first-half penalty, to earn a valuable clean sheet.
Miami's next game is now against Porto on Tuesday, before they face Palmeiras four days later.
