Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr has been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player of 2024, just two months after controversially missing out on the Ballon d’Or.
The 24-year-old was honoured at the FIFA awards ceremony, which was held in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday 17th December.
Vinicius scored 24 goals last season, playing a pivotal role in Madrid’s successes in both the Champions League and La Liga, including netting the second goal in their 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the European final.
He triumphed over fellow Madrid players Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappé, and recently retired Toni Kroos, as well as Lionel Messi, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Florian Wirtz, and Lamine Yamal to claim the award.
The Brazilian forward will likely feel vindicated after the fallout from the Ballon d’Or in October. Following the announcement that Manchester City’s Rodri had won the prestigious award instead of Vinicius, Madrid players and staff refused to attend the ceremony.
Vinicius spoke out shortly after, posting a defiant message on social media: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Vinicius held himself up as an example to children around the world as he accepted the prize, saying: “It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played soccer barefoot on the streets of Sao Goncalo, near crime.
“Being able to get here is very important to me. I am doing this for many children who think it is impossible, but who can get here. I would like to thank my family, who gave up their dream to live it for me. Now, I would like to thank my team, who helped me get here.
“I want to continue playing for Real Madrid for a long time, which is the biggest club in the world. I couldn’t forget to thank Flamengo, who saw me on the fields and on the streets. I couldn’t get here without Flamengo.”
Looking ahead, Vinicius will aim to add another trophy to his growing collection when Madrid face Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday.
