Julian Alvarez will have been thrilled by his FIFA Best ranking - but not by his incorrect nationality.
The Manchester City star, who played a crucial role in Argentina's World Cup triumph, has been listed as Spanish on the official rankings. Alvarez picked up 17 votes, meaning he finished seventh behind the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema.
However, with each player's nationality listed alongside their name and number of votes, Alvarez has been the unfortunate victim of a major blunder having been listed as Spanish, when if fact no Spaniards made the top 14 players.
Argentina, on the flip side, who should've had their name on the list twice, only had it once by virtue of the winner. Alvarez's 17 votes, with his efforts for River Plate and City being recognised alongside his international exploits, saw him finish above the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah.
Alvarez has enjoyed a rapid rise and led the line at times for his country during the World Cup. He scored four times - a tally only better by Messi and Mbappe. The 23-year-old bagged a brace in the semi-final win over Croatia and also scored in the last 16 success against Australia.
Messi spoke glowingly about his compatriot: "During the whole World Cup, but also on Tuesday, he was extraordinary. He ran everything. He fought for everything - creating chances, fighting. For us, he was the surprising discovery, and he deserves everything that has happened to him because he is a lovely guy."
Alvarez has scored 10 times in 30 outings for City, many of those coming from the bench as he plays second fiddle to Erling Haaland. Pep Guardiola has hailed the forward's impact: “[Julian is] so quick. When he plays behind Erling, it means we have one more man in the box. He scored in both pockets - always he is there. We need an extra man in the 18-yard box and this helps Erling score goals too.”
Elsewhere at the FIFA Best Awards it was a stellar night for Alvarez's country. Messi claimed the top gong, seeing off Mbappe and Karim Benzema. Emi Martinez, the shootout hero, bagged the best goalkeeper award, while Lionel Scaloni was named best coach.
Messi said on his success: "It's amazing. It's been a tremendous year and it's an honour for me to be here and win this award. Without my team-mates I wouldn't be here. I achieved the dream I had been hoping for for so long. Very few people can achieve that and I have been lucky to do so."
