New Delhi,18 December 2024
Football’s spotlight shifted to Doha this week as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. turned heartbreak into triumph, clinching the FIFA Best Men’s Player award for 2023-24. The Brazilian winger, who controversially skipped the Ballon d’Or ceremony after being overlooked in favor of Manchester City’s Rodri, used the moment to remind the world why he’s one of the game’s brightest stars.
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Vinicius, 24, was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success last season, spearheading their double-winning campaign in La Liga and the Champions League. His tally of 24 goals and 11 assists stood as a testament to his dazzling form, leaving defenders helpless as he danced down the flanks. “This award is not just for me—it’s for my teammates, my coaches, and the fans who believed in me,” Vinicius said during his acceptance speech in Doha.
The award represents a significant milestone in Vinicius’ career, marking his first FIFA accolade. For a player often overshadowed by the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, this recognition is a breakthrough moment.
Earlier in the evening, Barcelona’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati was crowned FIFA Women’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Bonmati’s dominance on the pitch has mirrored her male counterparts, cementing her legacy as a pioneer for the next generation of female footballers.
The FIFA Best awards always generate intrigue, and this year was no exception. With voting split equally between fans, journalists, and the captains and managers of national teams, the results offered fascinating insights into football’s global pulse.
England captain Harry Kane’s top pick was Rodri, reflecting his Premier League bias, while Jude Bellingham, a Real Madrid teammate of Vinicius, was Kane’s second choice. Interestingly, Brazil’s leadership unanimously backed Vinicius, while Spain’s votes went to Real Madrid’s unsung hero, Dani Carvaja.
