In a glittering ceremony held in Doha, Qatar, Real Madrid’s dynamic forward, Vinicius Junior, clinched the prestigious FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2024, marking a triumphant moment in his burgeoning career. The 24-year-old Brazilian’s electrifying performances throughout the season propelled him to the pinnacle of men’s football, surpassing formidable competitors like Manchester City’s Rodri, who finished second in the voting, and his Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham, who secured the third spot. Vinicius’s victory was a poignant moment of validation, especially after the disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d’Or in October, a snub that led him and his Real Madrid teammates to boycott the ceremony in protest. This time, however, Vinicius was present to receive his accolade, having travelled to Doha with his team for the Intercontinental Cup final. Overwhelmed with emotion, he dedicated his award to children from impoverished backgrounds, emphasizing that achieving the seemingly impossible is within reach.
Vinicius’s journey to the top has been fraught with challenges, including enduring racist abuse in Spain, an ordeal that almost led him to abandon the beautiful game. However, his resilience and unwavering determination shone through, ultimately leading him to this momentous achievement. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vinicius acknowledged the doubters and detractors who sought to undermine his abilities, emphasizing his unwavering resolve to fight for his dreams and prove his worth on the global stage. His victory stands as a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering perseverance, and the unwavering support of his fans and teammates.
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Aitana Bonmati, continued her reign of dominance, securing the FIFA Best Women’s Player award for the second consecutive year. This accolade further solidified her status as one of the most exceptional talents in women’s football, adding to her impressive collection of honors, including back-to-back Ballon d’Or titles. Bonmati’s contribution to Barcelona’s treble-winning season, securing the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and Champions League titles, played a crucial role in her triumph. With her remarkable playmaking abilities, vision, and leadership on the pitch, Bonmati has become an integral part of Barcelona’s success, inspiring her teammates and captivating fans worldwide. In her acceptance speech, she humbly acknowledged the collective effort of her team and the support system that propelled her to this prestigious award.
The FIFA Best awards are determined by a comprehensive voting system involving fans, national team captains and coaches, and media representatives, ensuring a balanced and representative selection process. The 11-player shortlist for both the men’s and women’s awards was based on performances between August 21, 2023, and August 10, 2024. Vinicius’s remarkable season, which included 24 goals in 39 appearances for Real Madrid and a crucial goal in the Champions League final, cemented his position as a leading contender for the award. His achievement of scoring in two Champions League finals at such a young age further underscores his exceptional talent and potential for future greatness.
Beyond the individual player awards, the ceremony recognized outstanding contributions across various categories. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was crowned the Best Men’s Coach, while Emma Hayes, coach of the United States Women’s National Team, received the Best Women’s Coach award, leading her team to Olympic gold in Paris. Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez secured the Best Men’s Goalkeeper award for the second consecutive year, while Alyssa Naeher of the United States Women’s National Team received the Best Women’s Goalkeeper award.
The FIFA Puskás Award, honoring the most spectacular goal of the year, was presented to Alejandro Garnacho for his breathtaking overhead strike for Manchester United against Everton in November 2023. The inaugural FIFA Marta Award, named after the legendary Brazilian footballer, was fittingly bestowed upon Marta herself for her remarkable goal against Jamaica in June. This award recognizes not only her outstanding on-field achievements but also her enduring legacy and impact on the world of women’s football.
The FIFA Best awards ceremony served as a fitting celebration of football excellence, recognizing the remarkable achievements of players, coaches, and goalkeepers who have captivated audiences worldwide with their skill, dedication, and passion for the beautiful game. Vinicius Junior and Aitana Bonmati, the shining stars of the evening, embody the spirit of perseverance, resilience, and unwavering commitment to achieving greatness, inspiring future generations of footballers to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination. Their triumphs serve as a testament to the transformative power of football, uniting people from all walks of life in a shared celebration of sporting excellence. As these exceptional athletes continue to grace the world stage with their extraordinary talent, they leave an indelible mark on the history of football, inspiring awe and admiration in fans across the globe.
