He was awarded with the accolade for his performance in 2021-22 – and now he has had praise heaped on him for scoring twice in the first World Cup 2022 match.
The Arsenal ace is now regarded as one of the best football players in the world, although some of the player’s footballing prowess has been overshadowed by international debate about the location where the World Cup is held.
Qatar has a very strict legal system, and can arrest and jail unmarried female residents who find themselves pregnant there.
It has also been criticised for its attitude to LGBT+ rights, as homosexuality is illegal in the Gulf state.
However, the mood was buoyant among players this week as they brace themselves for the next match against the USA and hope for victory.