The FIFA Presidential Award is one that is not necessarily given to the same kind of person for the same reasons every single year. Last year, the award was given to Desmond Tutu for his efforts in helping black South Africans during Apartheid and his role in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. This season, FIFA has decided to hand the award to a man with a much more direct role in and contribution to the game of football, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
FIFA Presidential Award 2011: Alex Ferguson Honored At Ballon d’Or Gala
Since 2001 the Presidential Award has been given to a person or institution that has made a superlative contribution to football without seeking to monopolise the limelight. The Presidential Award may be conferred in honour of one special event or a lifetime of service, or for an exemplary attitude.
Ferguson has been the manager of the Red Devils since 1986. He has won the Premier League 12 times and has won three Champions League titles. Prior to arriving at United, Ferguson won three Scottish Premier League titles and a UEFA Cup with Aberdeen. Ferguson is also up for the FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year this season.
After he was handed the award, there was a video played at the ceremony where the likes of Jose Mourinho, David Beckham and Eric Cantona expressed their thoughts about Ferguson as a person, role model and football manager. You'll be stunned to learn that all of what they had to say was overwhelmingly positive.
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