Most bizarre Man of the Match awards, including a Burger King crown, a live chicken and mobile phone data

THERE was a time when players received a bottle of champagne for winning the Man of the Match awards.

Now, they are given a gleaming trophy for their efforts by the Premier League.

But those prizes pale into boring insignificance in comparison to these wacky gifts.

From a live chicken to a Burger King crown and mobile phone data, these are the strangest Man of the Match awards.

Burger King Crown

Legendary River Plate keeper Franco Armani must have felt like a king for the day after winning a MOTM award in Argentina.

But on closer inspection, it’s fast-food chain Burger King who provided the crown.

He didn’t look the slightest bit embarrassed in his post-match interview.

Curry

The Viceroy is a reputable Indian restaurant in Carlisle.

And their association with Carlisle United as a sponsor means players get a curry if they are the star man.

They even have to pose with the meal in a tray in the dressing room.

Pizza Express

At Partick Thistle, Connor Sammon seems chuffed with his Man of the Match award.

Showing off a meaty delight from Pizza Express, that’s more than enough dough to go around.

We just hope he shared it with his team-mates in the dressing room.

Fish

Martin Odegaard could well receive a Premier League medal this season, starring for Arsenal.

But when he was on loan at Real Sociedad, he was presented with a giant fish.

It came from a local supermarket, who sponsored the club. Imagine driving home with that in your car?

Live hen

Polish giants Gornik Zabrze’s man-of-the-match award is clucking good.

They gave their best player a live hen to take home, which presumably provides breakfast the next day.

Because that’s the dream – fresh eggs every morning.

Spring Onions

Forward-thinking non-league club Lewes FC have done wonders for the women’s game – paying their female players as much as their men.

And in Brad’s Pit – a community kitchen garden they grow fruit and veg in – they came up with a novel Man of the Match award.

Back in 2022, Ayo Olukoga looked delighted to receive some freshly picked spring onions.

Mobile phone data

This is, actually, a brilliant prize for someone who uses their mobile phone A LOT.

When Hlompho Kekana played for the Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, he was awarded 5GB of mobile phone data from sponsor Telkom.

As practical as it gets.

Crash Bandicoot

We can only hope Said Benrahma is a gamer.

For a top performance in the EFL Cup, he was awarded Carabao’s custom trophy.

But, rather strangely, in his other hand he was seen clutching a copy of Crash Bandicoot 4 on the PS4.

Grill and apron

In Argentina, grilling meat is a religion.

So it was no wonder Lautaro Acosta looked delighted with his award.

After a Supercopa match in 2016, he was gifted a grill with an apron.

His team-mates would have blagged an invite for dinners later that night, surely?

Jaffa Cakes and crisps

Forget fancy diets, Crewe Alexandra are keeping it real with biscuits and crisps.

Zac Williams was over the moon with the Jaffa Cakes he received following a game.

Perfect with a cup of tea in the dressing after the final whistle.