Following the setback of missing out on the Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid's Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr. won The Best FIFA Men's Player at a star-studded The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday evening.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri finished second, while Real Madrid's England young sensation Jude Bellingham was ranked third.
Votes are distributed equally across four categories: media professionals, national team coaches, captains of Fifa national teams and fans worldwide.
There was a clash of opinions among Nigeria's interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong and media representative Oluwashina Okeleji over their number one pick for the best player.
Eguavoen gave his first vote to Argentina captain Lionel Messi, his second went to Vinícius Jr, while Manchester City star Rodri placed third on his list.
Troost-Ekong, a product of the Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur academy who schooled in England, picked Jude Bellingham as the top player in the world, followed by Vinícius Jr and Rodri.
Experienced Nigerian journalist Okeleji showcased his expertise, correctly predicting Vinicius Jr. as the winner, with Rodri and Bellingham taking second and third respectively.
In the women's category, Super Falcons interim boss Justine Madugu picked Tabitha Chawinga, Lindsey Horan and Barbra Banda in that order, while Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade ranked Barbra Banda, Aitana Bonmatí and Khadija Shaw first, second and third respectively.
Nigeria's media representative Okeleji opted for Barbra Banda, Aitana Bonmatí and Tabitha Chawinga.
Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati secured The Best Women’s Player of the Year title, adding to her Ballon d'Or victory for an impressive double.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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