FIFA has officially announced the shortlist of nominees for The Best Men’s Player award for 2024, creating significant buzz in the football community. The spotlight is set to shine brightly on two of the game’s top stars, Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid and Manchester City’s Rodri, who will face off once again after their recent encounter in the Ballon d’Or race.
Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian winger known for his explosive pace and creative flair, narrowly lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri last month. This defeat came under a cloud of controversy, prompting Real Madrid to withdraw from attending the award ceremony in Paris, expressing their discontent with the voting process that seemed to overlook Vinicius’s outstanding performance. With another chance to claim a prestigious accolade, Vinicius is eager to make his mark, while Rodri stands as the current champion, aiming to solidify his status among the elite.
The list of nominees released by FIFA just before midnight on Thursday showcases not only Vinicius but also highlights a number of his Real Madrid teammates. Alongside him on the shortlist are rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Federico Valverde, and Dani Carvajal, in addition to retired legend Toni Kroos who has made a significant impact on the club’s legacy. From Manchester City, Rodri’s teammate Erling Haaland also finds a place on the list, joining forces with the young Spanish prodigy Lamine Yamal, who has quickly made a name for himself.
Adding to the excitement, the three-time winner of The Best award and reigning champion, Lionel Messi, features on the nominees list. Messi’s consistent excellence and ability to perform at the highest level keep him in contention as one of the greatest players of all time. Another noteworthy name is Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, whose impressive performances have earned him a spot among the nominees.
The voting process for The Best FIFA Men’s Player award differs significantly from that of the Ballon d’Or, which has faced criticism for its reliance on journalists’ votes. The Best award, in contrast, ensures that the votes are equally weighted. Fans’ contribution is crucial, alongside the votes from current captains and coaches of all men’s and women’s national teams, as well as select media representatives, adding layers of impartiality and representation to the process.
Scheduled to take place in January, The Best FIFA Awards ceremony will reflect on the performances across the entire calendar year, contrasted with the Ballon d’Or, which evaluates players based on the previous season’s achievements. While the exact date for the ceremony remains under wraps, football enthusiasts can participate in the voting process for their favorite players by visiting FIFA.com, where fan votes will be accepted until 23:59 CET on December 10, 2024.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming ceremony, the rivalry between Vinicius and Rodri continues to capture the imagination of fans and pundits alike, with both players looking to stake their claim as the premier footballer in the world. The outcome promises to be thrilling as supporters rally behind their favorites in this momentous recognition of sporting excellence.
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