Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati stole the spotlight at FIFA’s The Best awards, solidifying their places as the top players in world football.
Vinicius Junior: From Streets to Stardom
Vinicius Junior, 24, was named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year after an extraordinary season with Real Madrid. Overcoming the disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri earlier this year, the Brazilian forward emerged victorious, edging Rodri by five points.
Reflecting on his journey, Vinicius expressed gratitude and pride. “It felt impossible to reach this stage,” he said in Portuguese at the ceremony. “I was a kid playing barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, surrounded by poverty and crime. This achievement is for all the children who dare to dream, even when it feels unattainable.”
Vinicius also addressed critics and detractors in an Instagram post, declaring, “Yes, I am the best player in the world, and I fought hard for it. They tried to invalidate me, but I will not let anyone dictate how I should behave or whom I should fight for.”
The Brazilian forward’s exceptional season included 24 goals in 39 appearances, helping Real Madrid secure their 15th European Cup and his second Champions League title. Notably, he became the youngest player to score in two Champions League finals.
Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting, while Dani Carvajal and rising star Lamine Yamal rounded out the top five. Lionel Messi, the award’s previous winner for two consecutive years, placed sixth.
Bonmati Continues to Dominate Women’s Football
Aitana Bonmati claimed the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year title, adding to her already illustrious résumé. The 26-year-old midfielder, who also won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or this year, led Barcelona to a triumphant 2024 season, securing the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and Champions League titles.
“This is a team effort,” Bonmati emphasized during her acceptance speech. “It was a remarkable year, and I’m grateful to my club, my teammates, and everyone who helps me grow every day.”
Coaching Excellence and Special Recognition
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was named FIFA Men’s Coach of the Year, while United States women’s coach Emma Hayes earned the women’s coaching honor. Hayes led the USWNT to Olympic gold in Paris, with star goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher receiving the Women’s Goalkeeper Award.
Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez claimed the Men’s Goalkeeper Award for the second consecutive year, underscoring his consistency at the highest level.
The evening also celebrated extraordinary goals, with Alejandro Garnacho winning the FIFA Puskás Award for his breathtaking overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton in November 2023.
Brazilian legend Marta received the inaugural FIFA Marta Award, honoring her iconic career and her goal against Jamaica in June.
FIFA’s Voting Process
The winners were selected through an equally weighted voting system involving fans, national team captains and coaches, and media representatives. The nominees’ performances were evaluated over the period from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024.
Vinicius Junior’s resilience, Bonmati’s brilliance, and the remarkable achievements of their peers made FIFA’s The Best awards a memorable celebration of football excellence.
