Real Madrid and Brazil star, Vinicius Jr., has been crowned Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards.
The 24-year-old forward, along with his club, had boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he lost out to Manchester City’s Rodri.
However, this time, Vinicius claimed the honor during a ceremony held in Doha.
Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the 2023-24 Champions League and La Liga campaigns, contributing 24 goals and 11 assists.
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now I’m here.”
This marks the winger’s first FIFA accolade, providing a positive end to a season marred by his October Ballon d’Or boycott.
Earlier in the event, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí was named Women’s Player of the Year, retaining the title for the second consecutive year.
The FIFA Best Awards and the Ballon d’Or are recognized as football’s most prestigious honors. While Lionel Messi won the previous two FIFA Best awards and Robert Lewandowski the two before that, this was Vinicius’ first win.
The award, which recognizes performances from August 2023 to August 2024, was determined by a blend of public votes, journalists from each country, and national team captains and managers, with each group’s input carrying equal weight.
Vinicius edged out Euro 2024-winning Spain midfielder Rodri, who came second, and his Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham, who placed third. Voting details revealed that England captain Harry Kane ranked Rodri first, with Bellingham and Vinicius
