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In a night filled with celebration and recognition of football excellence, Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian winger for Real Madrid, was named the Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards held in Doha. This prestigious accolade highlights Vinicius outstanding performances throughout the 2023-2024 season, where he played a pivotal role in securing both the La Liga and UEFA Champions League titles for his club.
Vinicius’s victory was not just a personal triumph; it was also a testament to the support he received from fellow footballers across the globe. The voting results revealed a strong backing for Vinicius from prominent players who recognized his contributions on the pitch.
Voting breakdown and support
FIFA’s voting system included votes from national team captains, coaches, and media representatives. Vinicius received 48 points, finishing ahead of Rodri (43 points) and Jude Bellingham (37 points), showcasing his widespread appeal among his peers.
Among those who voted for Vinicius were several notable footballers:
- Mohamed Salah, captain of Egypt and star forward for Liverpool, placed Vinicius as his top choice, reflecting admiration for his skill and impact in crucial matches.
- Luka Modric, captain of Croatia and Vinicius’s teammate at Real Madrid, also voted for him, along with Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Modric’s support underscores the respect Vinicius commands within the Real Madrid dressing room.
- Alvaro Morata, Spain’s captain, opted for Carvajal, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal but acknowledged Vinicius’s talent in his comments post-voting.
- Didier Deschamps, head coach of France, included Vinicius in his top three alongside Kylian Mbappe and Rodri, highlighting his recognition as one of the elite players in world football.
- Harry Kane (England, National Team Captain) – The England captain included Vinicius in his top three votes, underscoring his respect for the Brazilian’s skills.
- Lee Carsley (England, Interim National Team Coach) – Carsley’s vote reflects recognition from a prominent coaching figure in football.
- Gareth Southgate (England, Former National Team Coach) – Southgate also acknowledged Vinicius’s contributions by voting for him.
- Alisson Becker (Brazil, Liverpool) – The Brazilian goalkeeper voted for Vinicius, showcasing support from a fellow national team player.
- Kylian Mbappe (France, Paris Saint-Germain) – Although he had strong competition, Mbappe recognized Vinicius’s talent in his voting choices.
- Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid) – Kroos voted for Vinicius, reflecting the camaraderie and respect within the Real Madrid squad.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami): The Argentinian also included Vinicius in his top three votes.
These votes from esteemed players reflect a consensus on Vinicius’s exceptional abilities and contributions to his team’s success.
The journey to recognition
Vinicius Junior’s path to winning this award has been remarkable. Over the past season, he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions. His standout performances included scoring in key matches during the Champions League, notably in the final against Borussia Dortmund. This consistency not only helped propel Real Madrid to glory but also established him as one of the most exciting talents in football today.
After narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri earlier this year, a decision that led to protests from him and his teammates, Vinicius expressed immense joy at receiving this award. “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here,” he stated during his acceptance speech.
Acknowledging team efforts
Vinicius was quick to credit his teammates for their role in his success. “This award is not just mine; it belongs to everyone at Real Madrid who supported me,” he remarked. His humility resonates with fans and players alike, reinforcing the idea that individual accolades are often built on collective effort.
The FIFA Best Awards also recognized other talents across various categories. Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Player of the Year award for her outstanding contributions to Barcelona and Spain, while Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Men’s Coach after leading Real Madrid to their domestic and European successes.
