Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men’s player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards.
The 24-year-old and his club boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony after missing out to Manchester City’s Rodri – but he picked up this prize in Doha.
Vinicius played a key role in Real’s Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists.
Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the women’s player of the year for the second year in a row.
This was the first time Vinicius has won the award and capped a happier finish to the season than October’s Ballon d’Or boycott.
“It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo and now I’m here,” Vinicius said.
The Ballon d’Or and Fifa Best Awards are the two most prestigious in football.
This was Vinicius’ first Fifa prize, with Lionel Messi winning the previous two awards and Robert Lewandowski the two before that.
The award – for football from August 2023 to August 2024 – was decided by a mix of public vote, one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team. Each group’s vote counted for 25%.
Real Madrid were already in Qatar for Wednesday’s Fifa Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.
Spain’s Euro 2024-winning midfielder Rodri finished second to Vinicius for the award, while Real’s England player Jude Bellingham was third.
Fifa has released details on who each coach and captain voted for.
England skipper Harry Kane opted for Rodri, with international team-mate Bellingham second and Vinicius third.
Lee Carsley, who was the Three Lions’ interim boss when the votes were cast, went for Bellingham, Rodri and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in that order.
Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both opted for Rodri as their top pick.
Wales skipper Aaron Ramsey went for Vinicius, while Northern Ireland captain Paddy McNair voted for Rodri.
Brazil’s captain and manager voted for Vinicius, but their Spanish counterparts both selected Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal.
Source link
