In team sport, a player of the match or man of the match or woman of the match award is often given to the most outstanding player in a particular match. This can be a player from either team, although the player is generally chosen from the winning team. Some sports have unique traditions regarding these awards, and they are especially sought after in championship or all-star games. In Australia, the term "best and fairest" is normally used, both for individual games and season-long awards. In some competitions, particularly in North America, the terms "most valuable player" (MVP) or "most outstanding player" (MOP) are used. In ice hockey in North America, three players of the game, called the "three stars", are recognised. In sports where playoffs are decided by series rather than individual games, such as professional basketball and baseball, MVP awards are commonly given for the series, and in ice hockey's NHL, for performance in the entire playoffs. Association football In football, the "player of the match" (POTM) or the "man of the match" (MOTM) award typically goes to a player on the winning side. Players who score a hat-trick, or goalkeepers who keep a clean sheet under pressure often get the award. Hat-trick scorers usually receive the match ball whether or not they are officially named player of the match. The player of the match is often chosen by a television commentator or a sponsor. However, not all competitions have an official player of the match award, so sometimes accolades are given by websites or newspapers instead. In the Premier League, for example, a player receives a small black and gold trophy for their player of the match performance. Records and statistics Men's football Most POTM wins at FIFA World Cup (since 2002) As of 19 December 2022 Most POTM wins (since 2009) Lionel Messi – 324 (50% of matches) Cristiano Ronaldo – 175 (35% of matches) Zlatan Ibrahimović – 116 (26% of matches) Eden Hazard – 100 (19% of matches) Neymar – 87 (28% of matches) Robert Lewandowski – 86 (17% of matches) Harry Kane – 79 (21% of matches) Kevin De Bruyne – 76 (18% of matches) Gareth Bale – 73 (17% of matches) Luis Suárez – 72 (16% of matches) Antoine Griezmann – 70 (13% of matches) Karim Benzema – 70 (12% of matches) Dimitri Payet – 67 (14% of matches) Memphis Depay – 66