Vinícius Júnior has been awarded FIFA’s Best Men’s Player of the Year for 2024. It is the Brazilians’ first such win in his career.
The 24-year-old Real Madrid and Brazil forward received the award in Doha after a successful season in which he played a crucial role in Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League victories.
“It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here,” Vinícius said after he received the award at the ceremony.
Vinícius later took to Instagram to express his gratitude and address his critics.”Today, I write to the child who has seen so many idols lift that trophy,” Vinícius posted on Instagram. “His time has come. Or rather, my time has come. The time to say … yes, I am the best player in the world and have fought hard for it.
“They have tried and tried to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not ready. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for or how I should behave. When I was at São Gonçalo, the system didn’t care about me. It almost swallowed me up.
“I won for myself, for my family. I have had a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates over the years, the people who accompany me every day in my routine, and those who admire me. The best player in the world,” he posted
He also acknowledged the support he has received over the years from Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, and his teammates.
Performance and Achievements
In the 2023-24 season, Vinícius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, helping Real Madrid secure a La Liga and Champions League double.
This was Vinícius’ first time winning the FIFA Best Award. He finished ahead of Manchester City’s Rodri, who earned 43 points, and Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who earned 37 points.
Vinícius and Real Madrid boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony after Rodri won the award. Madrid’s delegation chose not to attend the ceremony in Paris.
Club President Florentino Perez criticized the Ballon d’Or voting system, calling for an independent organization to oversee the awards.
Voting Details
A combination of public votes decides the FIFA Best Awards: one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team. Each group’s vote counts for 25%.
England skipper Harry Kane voted for Rodri, with Bellingham second and Vinícius third. Brazil’s captain and manager both voted for Vinícius.
Neymar was among the earliest stars to congratulate Vinícius, encouraging him to “keep flying” in an Instagram story.
Aitana Bonmatí Best Player of The Year (Women)
Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí won the Women’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Ancelotti Coach of The Year
Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid was named Coach of the Year after leading the team to both the Champions League and La Liga titles. At 65, this is his first time winning the award, which has been given since 2016.
Previous winners of the FIFA Best Award have mostly been Premier League managers, including Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel, and Pep Guardiola.
Best FIFA Men’s XI
The selected players were Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, and Kroos (all Real Madrid), Rodri, Erling Haaland (both Man City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).
Five were from Premier League players, five were from Real Madrid (including retired Toni Kroos), and one was from Barcelona.
Emiliano Martinez, Best Goalkeeper of The Year
Martinez was named goalkeeper of the year for his role in Argentina’s Copa America win, marking his second-best goalkeeper award at both the Ballon d’Or and Fifa Best awards.
Garnacho Won The Puskas Award
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas Award for the best men’s goal of the year for his stunning bicycle kick in a 3-0 victory against Everton in November 2023.
“I’m very proud to win this award,” said Garnacho. “It was a special goal and I will always remember it.”
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus was also nominated for his solo goal against Freiburg in the Europa League.
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