Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men’s player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards, marking a significant milestone in his young career. The 24-year-old and his club notably boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony after he was overlooked for the award in favor of Manchester City’s Rodri. However, Vinicius was able to celebrate his individual achievements in style as he picked up this prestigious prize in Doha.
During the 2023-24 season, Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s successful campaigns, notably in the Champions League and La Liga, where he showcased his remarkable knack for scoring and assisting, finishing the season with an impressive tally of 24 goals and providing 11 assists to his teammates. His contributions were vital in guiding Real Madrid to victory, and his recognition at the Fifa Best Awards underscores his impact on the pitch.
The award ceremony also celebrated Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati, who was named the women’s player of the year for the second consecutive time, highlighting the excellence present in women’s football as well. For Vinicius, this achievement was particularly special as it was his first time winning this award, providing a much-needed boost to his spirits after the disappointment of boycotting the Ballon d’Or in October.
In a heartfelt statement, Vinicius reflected on his journey, stating, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo and now I’m here,” illustrating the distance he has traveled from those humble beginnings to becoming one of the best in the world. The Fifa Best Awards and the Ballon d’Or represent the pinnacle of individual achievement in football, and Vinicius’s victory solidifies his place among the elite.
This year’s award period, which covered performances from August 2023 to August 2024, heavily relied on a blend of voting sources. The selection process included a comprehensive mix of public votes, contributions from one journalist in each country, as well as votes from the captains and managers of national teams. Importantly, each group’s voting carried equal weight, with one-quarter of the total score attributed to each voting body.
As Real Madrid prepared for the Fifa Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium, Vinicius’s win added another layer of excitement for the club and its supporters. Notably, Rodri, who delivered strong performances for both club and country, finished second in the voting for the award, showcasing the stiff competition faced by Vinicius. Jude Bellingham, another standout player for Real Madrid and England, rounded out the top three.
Fifa has also released insight into how different coaches and captains cast their votes, revealing some interesting choices. England captain Harry Kane selected Rodri as his top choice, while Bellingham chose to back Rodri, placing Vinicius third. The interim boss of England, Lee Carsley, supported Bellingham for the top position, further emphasizing Bellingham’s rising status in the football world.
Coaches of national teams also expressed their preferences, with both Scotland’s Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy voting for Rodri. Interestingly, Wales captain Aaron Ramsey opted for Vinicius, adding a touch of diversity to the voting landscape. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland’s captain Paddy McNair also supported Rodri as his preferred candidate.
Notably, Brazil’s captain and manager were solidly behind Vinicius, showcasing the nation’s pride in his accomplishments. Conversely, their Spanish counterparts chose Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal, indicating that local loyalties also played a role in the selection process.
In terms of representation, the men’s team of the year featured five players from the Premier League alongside five from Real Madrid, which included the recently retired Toni Kroos, highlighting the strength and depth of talent in both leagues. The team included standout talents such as Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, Ruben Dias of Manchester City, and William Saliba from Arsenal, among others, with Vinicius Jr cementing his status as a key player for Real Madrid.
Martinez, recognized for his stellar performances in goal, was named goalkeeper of the year after leading Argentina to victory in the Copa America, achieving the accolade twice at both the Ballon d’Or and Fifa Best awards. This combination of awards illustrates the high level of competition and excellence in the global football arena. Vinicius Jr’s recognition not only reflects his hard work and dedication but also symbolizes the bright future that lies ahead for him and for the sport itself.
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