Peru’s national team may not have won the 2018 World Cup, but its fans did. On Monday, FIFA handed outs its “The Best” awards for the year, naming Marta as the Best Women’s Player, Didier Deschamps as Best Men’s Coach, and Luka Modric as the Best Men’s Players. Beside the many players it recognized, the soccer organization also gave the Fan Award to Peruvians.
As Sports Illustrated notes, “Peruvian fans were voted by fans worldwide after their boisterous support of La Blanquirroja at their first World Cup in 36 years.”
The 2018 World Cup almost started off on the wrong foot for fans, as star player Paolo Guerrero almost didn’t get to play in the tournament. And when the country scored its first goal, fans broke out in cheers and tears.
And though Peru saw its journey end in the group stage, no one else could match their energy. When Peruvians learned of this new honor, they celebrated in typical Peruvian fashion. Check out some reactions below.