Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. has been recognized as the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards. Despite boycotting the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony due to his exclusion, Vinicius secured this prestigious award in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday evening.
Throughout the 2023-24 season, Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign. His remarkable contributions included scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists.
In his acceptance speech, Vinicius expressed his disbelief, stating, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here.”
The award, recognizing football from August 2023 to August 2024, was determined through a combination of public voting, votes from one journalist from each country, and the captain and manager of each national team. Each group’s vote carried a weight of 25%.
Real Madrid was already in Qatar for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium on Wednesday.
While Rodri finished second to Vinicius for the award, Real Madrid and England playmaker, Jude Bellingham secured the third position. FIFA has released the voting preferences of each coach and captain.
England captain Harry Kane chose Rodri as his top pick, followed by Bellingham and Vinicius. Lee Carsley, who served as the interim manager of the Three Lions during the voting period, ranked Bellingham, Rodri, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal in that order.
Interestingly, both Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy opted for Rodri as their top choice.
Vinicius becomes just the first Brazilian to win the award since its introduction in 2016.
