Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been awarded the prestigious FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year accolade during a glittering ceremony held in Doha. The 24-year-old capped off a remarkable season with this honour, following his decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Manchester City’s Rodri took the top prize.
Vinicius Jr Crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year
Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumphant 2023/24 campaign, which saw the club secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles. The dynamic winger contributed 24 goals and 11 assists, showcasing his flair, consistency, and ability to perform in critical moments. Reflecting on his rise from humble beginnings, Vinicius shared an emotional sentiment during his acceptance speech: “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here.”
This award not only recognises his individual excellence but also underscores his role in helping Real Madrid maintain their status as one of the world’s most formidable teams.
The Selection Process
The FIFA Best Awards evaluate player performances from August 2023 to August 2024. The winners are determined through a unique voting system comprising four equal parts: public votes, journalists’ ballots, and votes from the captains and head coaches of national teams. Each group’s input accounts for 25% of the overall decision.
Spain’s Rodri, a vital figure in Manchester City’s treble-winning side, finished second, while Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham took third place after a sensational debut season with the club. Voting details revealed diverse preferences, with England captain Harry Kane choosing Rodri as his top pick, and Brazil’s delegation unanimously backing Vinicius.
Additional Highlights from the Ceremony
The awards night celebrated several other standout achievements:
- Women’s Player of the Year: Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí retained the title for the second consecutive year.
- Team of the Year: Featuring five players each from Real Madrid and the Premier League, the lineup included stars such as Ruben Dias, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius himself.
- Puskás Award: Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho took home the prize for the best goal of the year, courtesy of his stunning bicycle kick against Everton in the Premier League.
- Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti, credited with Real Madrid’s successful season, was recognised for his outstanding leadership.
A Historic Honour
Vinicius Jr’s triumph marked his first FIFA Best Men’s Player award, following years of domination by Lionel Messi, who had won the title thrice since 2019. The FIFA Best Awards were reintroduced in 2016 after splitting from the Ballon d’Or, providing footballers with a separate stage to be celebrated for their performances.
Full List of FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year Recent Winners
Below is the list of recent FIFA Best Men’s Player winners:
- 2024: Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid)
- 2023: Lionel Messi (Argentina/PSG and Inter Miami)
- 2022: Lionel Messi (Argentina/PSG)
- 2021: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich)
- 2020: Robert Lewandowski (Poland/Bayern Munich)
- 2019: Lionel Messi (Argentina/Barcelona)
- 2018: Luka Modric (Croatia/Real Madrid)
- 2017: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid)
- 2016: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal/Real Madrid)
A Bright Future Ahead
Vinicius Jr’s recognition as FIFA Best Men’s Player not only cements his place among football’s elite but also signals the arrival of a new era, with younger players like him and Jude Bellingham stepping into the spotlight. As football continues to evolve, the FIFA Best Awards remain a pinnacle of excellence, celebrating the best talents on the global stage.
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