As with all best player awards, upsets are inevitable. The once Cristiano-Messi duopoly has grown, as five to six players now come in mind when talking about the best in the world.
As a result, it comes as little surprise that The Best FIFA Men’s Player final three shortlist saw a few hopefuls miss out. The nominations were announced on Friday, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Antoine Griezmann, and Lionel Messi getting the nods.
Neymar missed out despite his exploits in the Rio Olympics. There was also no room for Gareth Bale despite inspiring Wales in an unforgettable Euro 2016 campaign. However, the exclusion fans found hard to swallow was that of Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan enjoyed an excellent 2015/16 campaign, beating Cristiano and Messi to the Pichichi award. As a result, the Blaugrana regained their Spanish Primera Division and Copa del Rey titles.
Supporters were quick to point out that he enjoyed a more prolific and successful season than Griezmann, with the Frenchman losing two finals. Check out the best tweets.
Has Suarez died or something???? https://t.co/ie0uwq4NCf
— k love (@koj__o) December 2, 2016
How has griezmann been put forward in the top 3 for the ballon d'or over suarez
— joshsanders (@_joshysanders) December 2, 2016
So a guy who bottles the euros and champions league final Is in the top 3 but suarez isn't he out scored messi and cr7 in the league
— dullaz (@dullaz7) December 2, 2016
Should've been Suarez instead of Griezi tho.... but take nothing away from that young man. What a final 3!!! #TheBest https://t.co/fFuNu6DqDo
— Anas (@mdanxs) December 2, 2016
Should've been Suarez instead of Griezi tho.... but take nothing away from that young man. What a final 3!!! #TheBest https://t.co/fFuNu6DqDo
— Anas (@mdanxs) December 2, 2016
How did Griezmann make it to the final Balon d'or top 3 and not Suarez??.
— Shola! (@Av_won) December 2, 2016
It looks like FIFA really hate Suarez..
— Muhammad Rizki Aiman (@MRAIki) December 2, 2016
In 2015-16:
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) December 2, 2016
Griezmann: 37 goals, 10 assists
Suárez: 60 GOALS, 23 ASSISTS
Suárez not nominated for Top 3 FIFA Best player pic.twitter.com/2EC1iHoI9Y