Vinicius Jr Named FIFA Best Men’s Player Of The Year.
Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year trophy, marking the first time he has received the prestigious honour. The 24-year-old was recognised during a ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, where he triumphed over Spain’s Rodri and England’s Jude Bellingham to claim the accolade.
Vinicius’ standout performances during the 2023-24 season were pivotal in Real Madrid’s successes in both the Champions League and La Liga. Across the campaign, he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, cementing his place as one of football’s brightest stars.
Reflecting on his journey, Vinicius remarked, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here.”
This award comes after Vinicius and Real Madrid opted to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony earlier in the year, where Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the top prize.
Voting and Results
The FIFA Best Award, which covers performances from August 2023 to August 2024, was determined by a combination of public votes, national team captains, managers, and journalists, with each group contributing 25% of the final tally.
Spain’s Rodri, who played a key role in his country’s UEFA Euro 2024 victory, finished second, while Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham came third.
FIFA also disclosed the voting choices, some notable ones include:
– England captain Harry Kane placed Rodri first, followed by Bellingham and Vinicius.
– Brazil’s captain and manager both selected Vinicius as their top choice.
– Scotland manager Steve Clarke and Wales coach Craig Bellamy favoured Rodri.
– Wales captain Aaron Ramsey picked Vinicius, while Northern Ireland’s Paddy McNair voted for Rodri.
Other Winners
Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for the second consecutive year, further celebrating footballing excellence on the global stage.
Vinicius’ victory also sets the stage for Real Madrid’s upcoming FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca, scheduled for Wednesday at Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
This recognition reaffirms Vinicius Jr’s rising status in world football and highlights his remarkable journey from the streets of Brazil to the pinnacle of the sport.
