When we think of the FIFA World Cup, the golden trophy is what comes to mind. But over the years, players, teams, and even fans have received a wide array of unexpected honors. From goats to golden gloves, these 15 strange World Cup awards highlight the quirky side of soccer’s grandest stage.

1. Live Goat (Cameroon, 1998)

In a bizarre yet culturally symbolic gesture, the Cameroonian national team was presented with a live goat as a sign of luck and honor during the 1998 tournament.

2. Hyundai Best Young Fan Award

Given to young fans who showcased enthusiasm and spirit, this award was often handed out by sponsors and included random gifts like mini-fridges and limited-edition merchandise.

3. Man of the Match Trophy (Shaped Like a Bottle, 2014)

At the 2014 Brazil World Cup, winners of the Man of the Match were handed an award shaped like a Budweiser bottle—an odd sight for a professional athletic recognition.

4. FIFA Fan Award

This award honors the most passionate fans, but the criteria have been nebulous. At times, it’s gone to groups based on social media votes or spontaneous stadium moments.

5. Yashin Award (Golden Glove)

While it’s now respected, the award’s earlier days confused many, especially when handed out despite poor overall team performances. Goalkeepers from eliminated teams have sometimes won it, raising eyebrows.

6. Fair Play Trophy

Given to the team with the best disciplinary record, it has ironically been awarded to squads that were eliminated early due to overly cautious play.

7. Most Entertaining Team Award

This short-lived award was handed to teams like South Korea in 2002 and Portugal in 2006. But its selection process lacked transparency and sometimes contradicted fan opinions.

8. Participation Medals for All Squads

Even squads that crashed out early receive official FIFA participation medals. While not odd in itself, many fans find it strange that a team finishing 32nd still gets hardware.

9. Golden Boot Variants

The Golden Boot itself is standard, but some editions have featured uniquely styled boots, such as 18-karat gold or boot replicas that players couldn’t keep.

10. Best Goal Celebration (Unofficial, Sponsored)

Occasionally sponsored contests on social media have given prizes to fans or players for “best celebration,” including gift cards, T-shirts, and in one case, a year of free burgers.

11. Goal of the Tournament Trophy

A popular fan-voted award, but occasionally controversial. In 2018, Pavard’s stunner won over other viral goals, leading to debates on voting legitimacy.

12. Golden Ball Runner-Up and Bronze Ball

These secondary awards recognize the 2nd and 3rd best players but have often gone to controversial choices, overshadowed by the Golden Ball and sometimes met with fan skepticism.

13. Best Fan Costume Prize (Unofficial)

Media and sponsors have occasionally recognized fans wearing elaborate outfits, like full-body lion suits or historical war garb. The “awards” were usually gift bags or media shoutouts.

14. Golden Fan Award (Fan Zones)

Introduced in select host cities, this award went to fans who showed exceptional passion. One winner in 2010 was chosen for painting his car and driving from Norway to South Africa.

15. Most Distance Traveled Award (Unofficial)

While not FIFA-official, fan clubs and travel partners have occasionally honored those who traveled the furthest, including awards for fans coming from remote Pacific Islands.

The Weird and Wonderful Side of the World Cup

Not all awards are about goals and victories. These strange World Cup awards reveal the colorful, chaotic, and deeply human side of the tournament. While the golden trophy may steal the spotlight, these quirky honors remind us that soccer is as much about culture and fandom as it is about results.