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Jan de Boer, goalkeeper for Bryne in Norway, received four dozen eggs.
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Axel Kryger, also of Bryne, was awarded a live lamb.
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At Académica, the most valuable player traditionally receives an entire codfish.
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Martin Ødegaard likely doesn’t miss receiving a fish when he was named player of the month during his time at Real Sociedad.
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During the 2016 Supercopa Argentina, the most valuable player received a grill and an apron.
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The following year didn’t improve on that, with Franco Armani receiving a metal crown from the official sponsor.
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At Scottish side Partick Thistle, the prize was once a pizza. Judging by the recipient’s expression, it must have been cold.
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Speaking of cold, the Arsenal goalkeeper received a bouquet of flowers and a thermal bag after a standout performance in Sweden.
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At Polish club Górnik Zabrze, the MVP took home a live rooster, complete with a cage.
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In Ecuador, 11 kilograms of rice go to those who stand out on the field.
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Brazilian football star Marta received a basket of cleaning products after a game for the national team. Perhaps it wasn’t the most inspired choice.
From live animals to household goods, the rewards for standout performances in international soccer are often… unusual. A recent collection of images highlights the quirky prizes given to players across the globe, showcasing a tradition of celebrating athletic achievement in uniquely local ways.
The trend appears to span continents. In Norway, Bryne FK goalkeeper Jan de Boer was presented with four dozen eggs, while teammate Axel Kryger received a live lamb. Elsewhere, the tradition of awarding food items continues. At Portugal’s Académica, the most valuable player is traditionally given an entire codfish, while Martin Ødegaard, now at Arsenal, fondly remembers receiving a fish during his time with Real Sociedad.
Argentina and Poland have also embraced unconventional rewards. During the 2016 Supercopa Argentina, the MVP was gifted a grill and apron, and a year later, Franco Armani of the same competition received a metal crown courtesy of a sponsor. Further east, Górnik Zabrze in Poland awarded its top player a live rooster, complete with a cage.
The unusual prizes aren’t limited to Europe and South America. Scottish club Partick Thistle once awarded a pizza – which, according to one photo, didn’t appear to be particularly fresh – and an Arsenal player received a thermal bag and flowers after a match in Sweden. In Ecuador, players are rewarded with a substantial 11 kilograms of rice, while Brazilian icon Marta once received a basket of cleaning supplies after representing her country.
These unusual awards offer a glimpse into the diverse cultures surrounding the world’s most popular sport, and demonstrate that recognition for athletic excellence can take many forms. The practice underscores the unique ways clubs and leagues attempt to connect with fans and celebrate their star players.
