After an absolutely stunning last year which saw Atletico Madrid clinching the prestigious La Liga trophy and almost winning the Champions League too, it was a tremendous surprise that none of Atletico man could win any award in Fifa’s annual gala. All of Atleti men returned from Zurich empty-handed despite their illustrious performances last year.

Diego Simeone was one of the three candidates for the Fifa manager of the year award; however, German manager Joachim Low scooped the trophy. Diego Simeone should have been the one to lift the award because he guided and steered a team with no big stars to ultimate glory. On the other hand, unlike Simeone, Joachim Low and Carlo Ancelloti had already all the best players in the world to win titles for him.

Diego Godin, Miranda and the former Atletico player, Filipe Luis, are one of the best defenders in the world. Yet they were ignored and instead over-rated players like David Luiz, Thiago Silva and aging, Andres Iniesta, were included in the Fifa Pro XI. Midfield Maestros Arda Turan and Koke also received no recognition from Fifa despite their tremendous performances.

Simeone reacted angrily to Fifa’s choice of award saying that Atletico Madrid better get future recognition.

“The Ballon d’Or and FIFPro World XI are only choices, but ones which weren’t based on achievement,” he spoke to reporters. “I just hope that in the future our players will be accepted as potential candidates.”