After missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior captured the prestigious FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year 2024 title at a ceremony in Doha.
Vinicius Junior’s second-place ranking for the Ballon d’Or is a notable accomplishment, though Rodri’s win overshadows it. This acknowledgement highlights Vinicius’s crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful season, including wins in La Liga and the Champions League.
Simultaneously, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was honoured with the FIFA Best Women’s Player award for the second consecutive year, underscoring her dominance in women’s football. Bonmati, who participated via video from Barcelona’s Olympic stadium, celebrated a season in which she led her club to a continental quadruple and her national team to a Nations League victory. Her contributions were pivotal in Barcelona’s Champions League final victory over Lyon, earning her player-of-the-match recognition.
BREAKING: Vinicius Jr wins FIFA Best Men's Player and Aitana Bonmati wins FIFA's Best Women's Player for 2024 🚨🏆 pic.twitter.com/AVvW79bLsr
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) December 17, 2024
Adding to the celebrations, Manchester United’s Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskas award for his remarkable bicycle kick against Everton in the Premier League, recognized as the year’s best goal.
Vinicius’s commendable performance included scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. His notable contributions in crucial matches, particularly in the Champions League, where he was Real Madrid’s top scorer, underscored his value to the team. His memorable strike in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund sealed a 2-0 victory, demonstrating his knack for delivering in high-stakes situations.
Aitana Bonmatí y Vinícius Jr. ganan el The Best 2024.
🔗 Así fue la gala de premios: https://t.co/uwSXGXJ8bQ pic.twitter.com/h15KozT3jy
— CNN en Español (@CNNEE) December 17, 2024
Despite facing challenges, including a disappointing run with the Brazilian national team at the Copa America, Vinicius’s club achievements have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in football. His resilience and ability to perform under pressure have been instrumental in his success and that of Real Madrid.
Bonmati’s back-to-back FIFA Best awards and dual Ballon d’Or victories reflect her exceptional skill and influence in women’s football. Her ability to lead and perform at the highest level has contributed to her club’s success and set new sports standards.
The FIFA ‘The Best’ 2024 awards have celebrated individual brilliance and highlighted the impact of strategic teamwork and leadership in football. As Vinicius Jr and Aitana Bonmati continue to set benchmarks, their careers will likely inspire upcoming sports talents.