After Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, sparking much debate, there was no such controversy this time. Vinícius Júnior, who had an outstanding season with Real Madrid, playing a key role in all of the team’s achievements, received this incredible recognition. The Brazilian forward was named FIFA’s Best Men’s Player, defeating the likes of Rodri, 8-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, and others.
Vinícius was announced the winner at the ‘The Best FIFA Football Awards’ ceremony on Tuesday night, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino presenting him the award.
The award was based on performances between August 21, 2023, and August 10, 2024. FIFA had released a list of 11 nominees on November 29, including Kylian Mbappé, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland, Federico Valverde, Florian Wirtz, Jude Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Toni Kroos, and others.
Although Vinícius didn’t achieve much with his national team during the considered period, his club performances were exceptional. He played a key role in Real Madrid’s victories in the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup last season. In the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, he scored the second goal in a 2-0 win and was named the tournament’s best player.
In the Spanish Super Cup final, he scored a hat-trick against Barcelona. Throughout the 2023-24 season, he netted 24 goals in 39 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid.
Vinícius’ outstanding performances were not only reflected in the numbers; he became a constant threat for opponents with his pace and skill, creating chances for his teammates to break down defensive lines in match after match.
This combination of individual brilliance and team success earned Vinícius his first-ever ‘FIFA The Best Men’s Player’ award.
FIFA’s Best is determined by votes from each country’s captain, coach, and selected media representatives, who contribute 75% of the vote. The remaining 25% comes from fans’ votes.
For the second consecutive year, Barcelona’s Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA’s Best Women’s Player. She has also won the Ballon d’Or Féminin twice in a row.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year in men’s football for his stunning overhead kick against Everton in a Premier League match last November.
For women’s football, FIFA introduced the Marta Award for the best goal, named after the legendary Brazilian forward. Marta herself won this inaugural award after scoring a remarkable goal against Jamaica in June, cutting past a defender and firing a powerful shot from inside the box.
