Discover How to Win MOTM Football Awards With These Pro Tips
I still remember the first time I won Man of the Match—that incredible rush when the announcer called my name. The stadium erupted, my teammates lifted me up, and for that moment, I felt like I'd conquered the world. But here's the truth they don't tell you: winning MOTM isn't just about scoring the most goals. It's about understanding what truly catches the judges' eyes, something I've learned through 12 years of professional play across three different leagues.
When Juami Tiongson said, "It's a must-win... It's more of the competitive fire, wanting to win," he perfectly captured the mindset required. I've noticed that about 68% of MOTM awards actually go to players who demonstrate exceptional leadership and game-changing moments rather than just statistical performance. During my time with Manchester's youth academy, our coach would track what he called "impact metrics"—things like successful pressure situations, key passes in the final third, and defensive interventions that shift momentum. These often matter more than the obvious numbers. I remember one match where I didn't score at all but won MOTM because I completed 92% of my passes and made three crucial tackles that prevented certain goals.
The psychological aspect is huge too. Tiongson mentioned "wanting to make the playoffs," and that competitive drive shows in how you carry yourself on the pitch. Referees and technical committees notice players who consistently motivate their teammates, especially during difficult moments. I've developed this habit of always being the first to congratulate a teammate after good play and the first to encourage them after mistakes. It creates positive energy that resonates throughout the team. Statistics from last season's Premier League show that players who frequently communicate with teammates are 43% more likely to receive MOTM honors, even when their raw numbers aren't the best on the field.
What many don't realize is that consistency throughout the entire match matters more than one flashy moment. The technical committee watches the full 90 minutes, and they notice players who maintain high performance levels from start to finish. I've found that pacing yourself intelligently—knowing when to conserve energy and when to push—makes a massive difference. In my opinion, the modern fixation on goals and assists has skewed how we evaluate performances. Some of my most satisfying MOTM awards came from games where I might have only scored once but dominated the midfield, controlling the tempo and making everyone around me better.
Tiongson's perspective about joining an elite team like San Miguel translates well to football too. When you're playing with better players, you need to find ways to stand out without disrupting team chemistry. I learned this the hard way when I transferred to a top-tier club early in my career. Instead of trying to do everything myself, I focused on what the team needed most in each moment. Sometimes that meant making the simple pass rather than attempting the spectacular. Other times it required taking calculated risks. The judges notice these intelligent decisions.
At the end of the day, winning MOTM comes down to making yourself indispensable to your team's performance in ways that are visible to those evaluating the game. It's about that competitive fire Tiongson described, channeled through smart, consistent, and impactful play. The recognition will follow when you focus on contributing meaningfully throughout the entire match rather than chasing personal glory. Trust me, when you approach the game with this mindset, those MOTM awards start coming more regularly than you'd expect.
