Brazil’s Vinicius Jr crowned FIFA Best men's player of the year

Brazilian winger and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior clinched the Men's Player of the Year award at the FIFA Best Awards 2024. In the women’s category, Spain's Aitana Bonmati was named the best womne's player of the year.

The award ceremony took place in Doha, where FIFA celebrated outstanding achievements in football. 

Voting for the awards is evenly divided among team captains, coaches, journalists, and fans, with each group holding 25% of the voting share.

After receiving the award, Vinicius reflected on his journey, saying, "It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I'm here." 

This marks Vinicius’ first FIFA Best award, following Lionel Messi's wins in 2022 and 2023, and Robert Lewandowski’s consecutive victories in 2020 and 2021.

In the Puskas Award category for the best goal, Alejandro Garnacho of Argentina won for his spectacular strike against Everton in the English Premier League in November 2023. Garnacho, a key player for Manchester United, added another accolade to his growing career.

A new award introduced this year was the Marta Best Goal Scorer Award, named after the iconic Brazilian footballer. Appropriately, Marta herself received the honor for her memorable goal against Jamaica.

Brazil’s Thiago Maia was recognised with the Fair Play Award for his exemplary sportsmanship, while Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez took home the Best Goalkeeper Award for his outstanding performances in goal.

In women’s football, the United States’ Alyssa Naeher was awarded the title of Best Women’s Goalkeeper for her exceptional skills and contributions to the sport.