Across both the FIFA and EAFC franchises, there have been many players to grace the team of the year (TOTY) selection on multiple occasions.
Seeing the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as TOTY items became a guarantee year on year, however, some players are less frequent inductees.
With the TOTY voting season now in session, here at the Sporting Loft we throw back to five players who have received a team of the year card on just a single occasion.
Alejandro Grimaldo EAFC 25
As a part of the record-setting Bayer Leverkusen side under Xabi Alonso, Grimaldo’s selection into the TOTY side appeared guaranteed.
Twelve goals and 17 assists from left-back alongside a domestic double capped off a once in a lifetime season for player and club.
Grimaldo received a 94-rated TOTY card joining a defence that included Virgil Van Dijk, William Saliba and Dani Carvajal.
Whilst it is not out of possibility that Grimaldo receives a second inclusion in future, the lightning in a bottle season Leverkusen experienced is unlikely to be replicated whilst Bayern Munich remains in control.
Karim Benzema Fifa 23
During the era of Messi and Ronaldo dominance, the question for TOTY attackers was always; who is the third man?
Following Karim Benzema’s 2021/22 season, there was never any question whether he would receive a special card with the debate more around how highly rated he would be.
The Ballon d’Or winner would receive a 97 rated TOTY card and would feature alongside Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the attacking lineup.
His move to Al Ittihad has likely ended any chance of a second inclusion in the squad yet despite the Frenchman winding down his career, his 2021/22 season is likely to remain long in the memory.
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Matthijs De Ligt Fifa 20
Erik Ten Hag’s Ajax side is one of the biggest near misses in football history, denied a Champions League final spot by Lucas Moura heroics in Amsterdam.
One of the standouts in their run to the semi-finals was centre-back and club captain De Ligt who earned a move to Juventus at the end of the campaign.
His Ajax heroics earned him an inclusion in the TOTY squad as a 96 card, becoming the only non Liverpool defender in the lineup.
The defender has unfortunately been hampered by injury in recent years that has stunted his progress but on his day De Ligt remains an elite centre-back at club and international level.
Paul Pogba Fifa 16
It is crazy to think a decade ago, Paul Pogba was a feature in a TOTY squad and at the peak of his powers.
In a Juventus midfield packed with Serie A veterans, Pogba showcased immense raw talent and flair which brought home a league title and a regular spot in the French squad.
In an era before inflated midfielder ratings, the Frenchman was given a 93-rated card and placed amongst the best midfielders of all time including FIFA legend Ruud Gullit.
Pro players would include Pogba in their squads all of Fifa 16, and it remains a shame Pogba couldn’t maintain these playing levels following his move back to England.
David Luiz Fifa 15
Thiago Silva was a regular feature in EA’s team of the year selections during his time at PSG, however, the inclusion of David Luiz raised some eyebrows.
Luiz had just concluded his debut season at PSG, winning a domestic treble, alongside knocking out his previous employers Chelsea out of the Champions League.
An 89-rated TOTY card was given to the centre-back, the lowest in TOTY history, yet his stats matched up to most top legend cards such as Franz Beckenbauer.
Whilst a surprising inclusion, to underrate Luiz would be your downfall as he has a trophy collection and personal accolades to surpass nearly all elite centre-backs in the modern game.
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