Real Madrid and Brazil forward Vinicius Junior has been awarded 2024 The Best Men’s Player at the FIFA awards ceremony, which were held in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday. The 24-year-old superstar won the UEFA Champions League this year while he also claimed La Liga with Madrid. The award comes a couple of months after he dramatically missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
The 24-year-old claimed UEFA Champions League and La Liga success with the Spanish giants in 2024, while he scored 32 goals for his club side across the calendar year.
One of those goals came in the Champions League final in a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium in June, as Carlo Ancelotti – who was named FIFA Best Men’s Coach – led Madrid to a record-extending 15th European crown.
The Brazilian also netted a hat-trick in a 4-1 Spanish Super Cup final triumph against rivals Barcelona at the beginning of the year.
Vinicius’ victory in Doha comes two months after he dramatically missed out on the Ballon d’Or with Manchester City midfielder Rodri claiming the most prestigious individual prize in world football instead.
In controversial circumstances, anger was sparked in Madrid after it was believed Vinicius would collect the 68th edition Ballon d’Or.
It led to all Madrid players boycotting the ceremony in France, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mabppe and Ancelotti not showing up.
In better circumstances this time, Vinicius was in attendance to pick up his prize, with Madrid already present in the capital of Doha as they prepare for their Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca on Wednesday.
SIX PREMIER LEAGUE PLAYERS RECOGNISED
Fiver Premier League players were named in the FIFA Best Team, with five more coming from Real Madrid and one from Barcelona.
Emiliano Martinez claimed back his FIFA Best Goalkeeper award, which he won in 2022 after winning the FIFA World Cup, following another excellent term in between the sticks for Aston Villa.
The shotstopper also got his place in the team of the year, alongside fellow English top-flight stars William Saliba of Arsenal and Man City trio Ruben Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland.
Madrid stars Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Kroos and Vinicius all made the team as well alongside Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal.
Manchester United forward Alejandro Garnacho was also among the winners on Tuesday, as he picked up the Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick against Everton last season.
Source | Eurosports
He deserves it after losing out on the Ballon d’Or.