Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr named Fifa Best men’s player of the year
The 24-year-old received the prestigious honour in Doha, marking a triumphant moment after he and Real Madrid boycotted the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony
Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been crowned the Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards.
The 24-year-old received the prestigious honour in Doha, marking a triumphant moment after he and Real Madrid boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Manchester City’s Rodri took the prize.
Vinicius Jr was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 2023-24 season, playing a key role in their Champions League and La Liga triumphs.
He contributed 24 goals and 11 assists, showcasing his immense influence throughout the campaign.
Earlier in the evening, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí claimed the Women’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
This was Vinicius’ first FIFA award, adding a positive end to the season after the earlier disappointment surrounding the Ballon d’Or.
Lionel Messi had claimed the previous two FIFA Best Awards, while Robert Lewandowski won in the two years prior.
The FIFA Best Awards, which rank alongside the Ballon d’Or as the two most prestigious accolades in football, cover performances from August 2023 to August 2024.
The winners were determined through a voting process that combined public votes, the opinions of one journalist from each country, and the votes of national team captains and managers. Each group contributed 25% to the final tally.
Real Madrid’s squad was already in Qatar, preparing for Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.
The Men’s Team of the Year featured five Premier League players, five from Real Madrid (including the recently retired Toni Kroos), and one from Barcelona.
The players selected for the team were: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, and Toni Kroos (all Real Madrid), Rodri, Erling Haaland (both Manchester City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid).
Martínez was also recognised as the Goalkeeper of the Year following his standout performances, including helping Argentina lift the Copa America trophy.
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