The sports network ESPN started an intriguing investigation into the most unusual awards given in the world of sports.
The survey emerged after the photo of Dutch goalkeeper Jan de Boer went viral, showing him receiving four cartons of eggs as a prize for being named Player of the Match in a game between his team, Bryne, and Bodø/Glimt, in Norway's top football division.
The image, shared on the club's official account and reposted by De Boer in his stories on Instagram, sparked all kinds of reactions.
The club stated that the goalkeeper went home with the "grandma's prize," sponsored by the local company Steinsland & Co.
However, it was the post from SportsCenter, the popular ESPN show, that truly ignited the debate on Instagram by asking its followers, "What other 'rare' awards do you remember?"
The question sparked a wave of reactions that blended humor with criticism and reflections on the economic situation in various parts of the world.
"Ah, ESPN! Any Cuban Olympic athlete says, 'hold my medal here.' And they show you prizes that are banana hands, packages of sweet cookies, and oil cucumbers. Don't mess with Cubans when it comes to prizes, you lack street smarts," said comedian Jorge Bacallao.
Amidst the mockery and comments from users, one could read: "From now on, they will call him the idiot," "They forgot the tomatoes and onions," "It looks like a humiliation ritual," and "I suppose he left the stadium under guard."
But not all the comments were humorous. Several followers took the opportunity to criticize the economic crisis in their countries.
In an ironic tone, several users pointed out that in places like Cuba, Venezuela, Argentina, or Brazil, receiving eggs as a prize would be considered a luxury.
"In Cuba that's a Champions, haha," "If you come and sell this in Brazil, you'll get rich," "In the United States right now that would be a super prize, given the current price of eggs there," "Here in Paraguay that costs more than a car! I wish I could win that prize," and "In Venezuela this is like winning a Ballon d'Or," were some of the comments.
The phenomenon garnered so much attention that ESPN has decided to compile some of the most unusual or unconventional awards presented in various sports disciplines.
Internet users recalled other instances, such as a player from Deportes Puerto Montt in southern Chile who received a salmon as a prize, or stories of unusual awards in Paraguay and Argentina.
Far from being offended, goalkeeper Jan de Boer seems to have taken the matter with humor, even expressing his gratitude on social media to his club for the recognition.
The truth is that this unusual award has opened up a debate about how some minor leagues or small clubs resort to local or symbolic incentives instead of conventional trophies.
What will be the rarest prize found by ESPN? The network promised to reveal some striking cases in its upcoming broadcasts, while it continues to gather information from fans and sports enthusiasts around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Unusual Awards in Sports and Their Social Impact
What was the unusual award received by goalkeeper Jan de Boer in Norway?
The Dutch goalkeeper Jan de Boer received four cartons of eggs as a prize for being named the Player of the Match in a first division Norwegian football game. This unusual award sparked a wave of reactions and opened a debate about unconventional prizes in sports.
Why did the award received by Jan de Boer attract so much attention?
The award drew attention because, in the context of economic crises in various countries, receiving eggs was seen as a luxury in some places like Cuba or Venezuela. Furthermore, the fact that such an unusual prize was given at a major sports event generated humor and criticism on social media.
What other unusual awards have been given in the world of sports?
Among the unusual prizes mentioned, there is a memory of a player from Deportes Puerto Montt in Chile who received a salmon as a prize. These cases are examples of how some minor leagues or small clubs choose local or symbolic prizes instead of conventional trophies.
What impact does the presentation of unusual awards have on the perception of minor leagues?
The delivery of unusual awards highlights the economic difficulties faced by some minor leagues, which rely on local resources to recognize their players. These awards can evoke both humor and criticism, as well as reflections on economic inequalities in the sports arena.
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