December 18 – Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior has finally got his hands on a major global player award.
Vinícius was named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA’s ‘The Best’ awards Tuesday, while Spain and Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati continued to dominate the awards for the women’s game.
Vinícius was so devastated to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d’Or in October that he and his Madrid team snubbed the ceremony in Paris in protest. But he was on hand in Doha to collect the FIFA version.
Vinicius succeeds Lionel Messi as the FIFA Best men’s player having scored 24 goals across all competitions as he led Real to a La Liga and Champions League double last season.
Having already wrapped up his third La Liga title in May, Vinicius secured the second Champions League trophy of his career as Real beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 on June 1.
Bonmati won FIFA’s version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d’Or prize for the second year running, adding to the two Ballon d’Or trophies she already boasts.
“I’m grateful, I’m proud to receive this award,” Bonmati said via video link from Barcelona’s Olympic stadium.
Last term, Bonmati led Barcelona to a historic continental quadruple of titles and claimed the Nations League with her national team.
She won every trophy available to her in club football in 2023/24 – the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de Espana and a second-successive Women’s Champions League.
Manchester United’s Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas award for the best goal of the year for his spectacular bicycle kick against Everton in the Premier League.
Award winners
Women’s player of the year – Aitana Bonmatí
Men’s player – Vinícius Júnior
Women’s goalkeeper – Alyssa Naeher
Men’s goalkeeper – Emiliano Martínez
Women’s coach – Emma Hayes
Men’s coach – Carlo Ancelotti
Marta Award – Marta
Puskas Award – Alejandro Garnacho
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