Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid poses for a photo after being presented with The Best FIFA Men's Player Award during the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 at Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, December 17, 2024. /CFP
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid poses for a photo after being presented with The Best FIFA Men's Player Award during the The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 at Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, December 17, 2024. /CFP
Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior finally secured a major global player award on Tuesday, being named Men's Player of the Year. Spain's Aitana Bonmati claimed the Women's Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Vinicius, who was frustrated after losing the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City's Rodri in October, had boycotted the ceremony in Paris with his Real Madrid teammates in protest. This time, however, Vinicius finished ahead of Rodri by five points. The Brazilian was present at the FIFA ceremony in Doha, where he traveled on Monday with his Real Madrid teammates for Wednesday's Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca.
Vinicius had an exceptional season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 matches, leading his team to both La Liga and Champions League glory. He succeeded Lionel Messi, who had won the award in the previous two editions.
Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona poses with her The Best FIFA Women's Player Award and The Best FIFA Women's 11 Award trophies at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, December 17, 2024. /CFP
Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona poses with her The Best FIFA Women's Player Award and The Best FIFA Women's 11 Award trophies at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona, Spain, December 17, 2024. /CFP
Bonmati added another accolade to the two Ballon d'Ors she already held. The 26-year-old led Barcelona to a historic continental quadruple last season, while also claiming the Nations League title with Spain.