Vinicius Jr has officially been crowned the FIFA The Best Player of the Year 2024, defeating Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and teammate Jude Bellingham. The award voting was split evenly among national team captains, managers, journalists, and fans, with 89 national team captains selecting Vinicius as the world’s best. He also edged out Lionel Messi, who made the top ten but fell short of the prize.
The Real Madrid star, in his acceptance speech, reflected on his humble beginnings in São Gonçalo, Brazil, where he played street football surrounded by challenges of poverty and crime. “It felt impossible even to dream about this award for me,” Vinicius said. He expressed gratitude to his family, friends, Real Madrid, Flamengo, FIFA, his national team Brazil, and his teammates for their unwavering support.
This award comes as a redemption for Vinicius, who missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Rodri earlier this year. His exceptional performances for Real Madrid and Brazil proved decisive in earning this prestigious honor, highlighting his growth as a global football icon.
The ceremony also celebrated other standout figures in football. Carlo Ancelotti won Best Coach, Emi Martinez claimed Best Goalkeeper, and Alejandro Garnacho took home the Puskás Award for his stunning goal. Vinicius Jr’s win marks another milestone in an already unforgettable season.
