I have returned the Man of the match award to Him, He truly deserve the award and not Me, I really feel for Him because the award was biased”, Richarlison named the ONE Arsenal player that deserved the Man of the match award today – Not Saka, and Not Ødegaard

In a rare show of humility and sportsmanship, Tottenham forward Richarlison has stunned the football world with a heartfelt confession after today’s North London Derby. Despite being officially named Man of the Match, the Brazilian forward publicly declared that the award was unfairly handed to him and instead revealed that an Arsenal player—one often overlooked—was the true standout performer.

“I have returned the Man of the Match award to him,” Richarlison admitted in a post-match interview that quickly went viral. “He truly deserved it and not me. I really feel for him because the award was biased.”

Those words sent shockwaves through both sets of supporters. Rarely does a player voluntarily surrender personal accolades, and even more rarely does he do so in favor of a fierce rival. But Richarlison’s gesture wasn’t about rivalry—it was about fairness, respect, and giving credit where it’s due.

The Brazilian forward didn’t name Bukayo Saka. He didn’t even pick Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard. Instead, he directed all praise toward his fellow countryman—Gabriel Martinelli. A name that many wouldn’t have guessed at first, but in Richarlison’s eyes, the Arsenal winger was the most impactful player on the pitch.

“Martinelli embarrassed us on that left wing,” Richarlison stated candidly. “Even I had to stop and admire what he was doing out there. You don’t need to score a hat trick to be the best player on the pitch.”

Martinelli didn’t find the back of the net. He didn’t register an assist. Yet he ran tirelessly, tormented Tottenham’s defense with blistering pace and footwork, and never stopped tracking back to help in defense. His contribution, though subtle to the untrained eye, shaped the rhythm and narrative of the game.

For Arsenal fans, this public praise was as gratifying as a goal. Many took to social media to commend Richarlison’s honesty, calling it “the classiest act of the derby” and a “rare moment of mutual respect in football.” Others sarcastically noted that “only when a Spurs player gives it to us do our players get recognized.”

Within the Arsenal dressing room, sources say Martinelli was surprised and moved by Richarlison’s gesture. Although he has not spoken publicly about it yet, teammates reportedly congratulated him after hearing what the Tottenham man had done, acknowledging that his relentless effort didn’t go unnoticed—even if not officially rewarded.

This incident has now sparked a wider conversation in football circles about how post-match awards are handed out. Are they based on stats? Popularity? Or true influence on the game? When even players start questioning the criteria, perhaps it’s time for broadcasters and pundits to re-evaluate their selection processes.

Richarlison’s act of defiance against the norm may seem small, but it carries immense weight. In an era dominated by personal branding, commercial deals, and self-promotion, his choice to publicly hand over an individual honor to a rival is a throwback to the kind of sporting spirit many believe has been lost.

And while the North London Derby remains one of the fiercest rivalries in English football, this incident has added a new layer to it—one of admiration, dignity, and mutual respect between two fiery Brazilian talents on opposite sides of the divide.

So while Richarlison walked away with the trophy in hand, it’s Gabriel Martinelli who truly won the hearts of fans and the respect of his peers. In football, that kind of recognition lasts far longer than any award.

In the end, it was more than just a game—it was a lesson in humility, perspective, and the power of sportsmanship.