A man famous for seasoning meat has been included in FIFA’s official World Cup team of the tournament, Paddy Power News can exclusively reveal.
Nusret Gökçe, known as ‘Salt Bae’, was named in the All-Star line-up for his performance during the World Cup final.
The world watched in awe as the 39-year-old restaurateur pretended to sprinkle salt on the famous World Cup trophy following Argentina’s penalty shootout victory over France.
LUSAIL CITY, QATAR – DECEMBER 18: Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates with Leandro Paredes and Nicolas Otamendi after scoring the team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is a close friend of the celebrity chef and is understood to have insisted on his inclusion.
‘Salt Bae was a constant thorn in the side of the Argentinian players’, wrote L’Equipe.
‘He was getting in their faces right from the off and denying them any breathing space’.
‘Despite spending the majority of the final on the sidelines, Salt Bae managed to get closer to Lionel Messi than any French defender.
‘There may be several raised eyebrows at his inclusion, but Salt Bae spent more minutes on the pitch at these finals than Cristiano Ronaldo’.
Salt Bae needs to be stopped https://t.co/m6u9NIhs2X
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 20, 2022
The food entertainer shared an image of a golden saltshaker he received from Infantino on Instagram along with the caption:
‘It’s amazing what a free meal can get you these days.’
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Meanwhile, Argentina star man Messi was the first to congratulate Salt Bae on his inclusion in FIFA’s World Cup team of the tournament.
‘He is the undisputed GOAT of overpriced salty steak’, gushed the 35-year-old Paris Saint Germain forward.
‘It was an honour to share what was the greatest moment of my professional career with an internet meme’.
‘With the exception President Macron, no one hijacked the final and tried to make it all about themselves like Salt Bae’.
‘After what was arguably the greatest World Cup final game off all-time, it warms my heart that we’re talking about the salt sprinkler, Elon Musk, Jared Kushner and Infantino’s white trainers’.
*Paddy Power’s breaking news coverage is 110% nonsense
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