Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards held in Doha.
This is coming after the striker missed out on the Ballon d’Or awards, he was expected to win, but Spain and Manchester City star Rodri was picked ahead of him. Rodri finished second to Vinicius for the award, while Real’s England player Jude Bellingham was third.
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.
In the women category 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.
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%.
