Brazilian superstar Vinicius Jr has been crowned the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards 2024, held on Tuesday.
The Real Madrid winger, who notably skipped this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after losing to Manchester City’s Rodri, was recognized for his exceptional form. The 24-year-old was instrumental in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga, contributing 24 goals and 11 assists.
This accolade marks Vinicius Jr’s first FIFA Best Player award, succeeding Lionel Messi, who won the title in the previous two editions.
Tough Competition
Vinicius overcame fierce competition from Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who finished second, and Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who came third.
The award, covering performances from August 2023 to August 2024, was decided through votes equally divided among fans, journalists, national team captains, and managers.
Men’s Team of the Year
The FIFA Best Awards also revealed the men’s team of the year, dominated by players from Real Madrid and Manchester City. The squad included Ruben Dias (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos (all Real Madrid), Rodri, Erling Haaland (both Manchester City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid), and Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), who also won the men’s goalkeeper of the year award.
Puskas Award for Garnacho
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho clinched the Puskas Award for his extraordinary bicycle kick during his team’s 3-0 victory against Everton in November 2023.
In a recorded message, Garnacho expressed his joy, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me and my family. That goal will always remain special.”
Back-to-Back Glory for Bonmati
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s player of the year award for the second consecutive year. Bonmati was pivotal in Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 victory and earned the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.“I’m very grateful for this award, but I always say it’s a team effort,” said Bonmati, acknowledging her success with both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Inaugural Marta Award Introduced
This year’s ceremony introduced the Marta Award, the women’s equivalent of the Puskas Award, named after the Brazilian legend. Marta herself won the inaugural honor for her stunning goal against Jamaica in June 2023.
Women’s Team of the Year
The women’s team of the year was dominated by Barcelona players, with six of their stars making the lineup. The team included Lucy Bronze (Chelsea), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Naomi Girma (San Diego), Ona Batlle (Barcelona), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Gabi Portilho (Corinthians), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona), Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona), and Alyssa Naeher (Chicago), who was named the women’s goalkeeper of the year.
