Vinicius Junior, Aitana Bonmati win FIFA player of the year awards
Real Madrid sensation Vinicius Junior has finally clinched a major global player award, solidifying his status as one of the best in the world. The Brazilian forward was named the men’s player of the year at FIFA’s prestigious “The Best” awards ceremony. This recognition comes after Vinicius faced disappointment earlier in the year when he lost out to Manchester City’s Rodri for the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius, who had boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest of the result, expressed his gratitude at winning the FIFA award. The 24-year-old reflected on his humble beginnings, growing up playing barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo amidst poverty and crime. He dedicated his achievement to all the children who dream of reaching great heights despite facing adversities.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Vinicius emphasized his resilience in the face of adversity and took a subtle jab at critics who may have doubted him. The talented forward has faced racial abuse in Spain but remains determined to overcome challenges and continue excelling on the field.
On the women’s side, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati continued her dominance by winning the award for best women’s player of the year. The Spanish midfielder, who also secured back-to-back Ballon d’Or prizes, had a stellar season with Barcelona, claiming the Spanish league, Spanish cup, and Champions League titles.
The FIFA awards were determined through a rigorous voting system involving fans, national team captains and coaches, and media representatives. The winners were selected based on their performances from August 2023 to August 2024, with Vinicius standing out for his exceptional season with Real Madrid.
In addition to individual accolades, Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and US coach Emma Hayes were named the best men’s and women’s coaches, respectively. The ceremony also honored outstanding goalkeepers Alyssa Naeher and Emiliano Martinez, along with Alejandro Garnacho for his spectacular goal for Manchester United.
The FIFA awards ceremony celebrated the exceptional talents and achievements of players and coaches in the world of soccer. Vinicius’ triumph serves as a testament to his dedication and talent, while Bonmati’s success highlights the strength of women’s soccer on the global stage. As the football world continues to evolve, these players inspire future generations to dream big and strive for greatness on and off the field.
