I’m honestly disappointed by the actions of some Arsenal fans yesterday. This was my first Man of the Match award here, and I was meant to enjoy the moment. Instead, fans flooded my DMs asking me to hand it over to the ‘deserving’ player. I’ve done just that—for the sake of peace,” Kiwior reveals, as he finally honors fans’ request by returning the Man of the Match award to the tireless Arsenal star who earned a 9/10 rating against Everton.

BREAKING NEWS: Kiwior Returns Man of the Match Award After Fan Backlash

Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior has stirred major headlines following his decision to return his Man of the Match award after Arsenal’s final Premier League game of the season against Everton. The Polish international, who was initially named the standout performer in the Gunners’ hard-fought 2-1 win, revealed he was deeply hurt by the reaction of some fans online.
In a shocking statement released shortly after the game, Kiwior said:

“Seriously, I’m not happy with what some Arsenal fans did yesterday. This is my first Man of the Match award here and I’m supposed to enjoy it, but some fans entered my DM telling me to return it to the rightful owner. I’ve already done that for peace to reign.”
His comments have sparked debate across the Arsenal fanbase, with many expressing sympathy for the defender while others praised his humility. The player believed to be the “rightful owner” of the award is none other than the ever-reliable midfield engine, who earned a near-perfect 9/10 rating for his performance against Everton. Many fans felt his tireless display and overall impact on the game deserved more recognition.

Kiwior’s gesture of returning the award has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans applauded his class and selflessness, others criticized the online abuse that led to the decision, saying it was uncalled for and damaging to player morale.

FANS SHOULD HAVE DONE BETTER IN THIS ASPECT THOUGH,” one supporter wrote, capturing the sentiment of those who felt the backlash crossed a line.

The incident highlights the growing influence of fan opinions on social media, where players are constantly under scrutiny. It also raises questions about how awards are decided and whether more transparency or fan involvement could reduce such controversies in the future.
Regardless of the outcome, Kiwior’s sportsmanship and willingness to put team harmony first have earned him respect among neutrals and supporters alike. While he may have handed over the award, many believe he’s already won something more important — the hearts of fans who appreciate humility and team spirit.

Arsenal, who narrowly missed out on the Premier League title, will now look ahead to next season with a squad full of talent — and heart.

This latest twist involving Jakub Kiwior returning his Man of the Match award paints a sobering picture of the modern football landscape—where player recognition can be overshadowed by the power and pressure of social media.

Kiwior’s decision is both commendable and concerning. On one hand, his humility and willingness to prioritize team unity over personal accolades show real character. On the other, it’s troubling that a young player felt forced to *give back* something earned on the pitch due to online backlash. The fact that this was his **first** Man of the Match award for Arsenal makes it even more bittersweet.

The incident shines a light on a growing issue: how easily fan reactions, especially those online, can impact players emotionally. These awards are meant to celebrate performances, not divide the fanbase or fuel toxicity. That some fans slid into his DMs asking him to return it shows how blurred the lines have become between passion and pressure.

The rumored “rightful owner” of the award—likely Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard—may have indeed had a stronger performance statistically or tactically. But MOTM selections often include intangible contributions like discipline, positioning, or quiet consistency—all things Kiwior has shown in his recent outings.

It raises an important question for Arsenal and other top clubs: should they shield players more from the wave of social media toxicity? And could fan-influenced awards benefit from a hybrid model where both stats and votes count more transparently?

Either way, Kiwior walks away from this with plenty of respect. He may have given up the trophy—but he’s definitely earned admiration for his maturity.

Do you think Arsenal should issue a statement in support of Kiwior to protect their players from similar situations in the future?