Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior achieved a significant milestone on Tuesday by winning a prestigious global player award.
He was honored as the men’s player of the year at “The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024,” while Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati continued her impressive streak by winning the women’s player of the year award.
Vinicius expressed his disappointment after losing the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri in October, leading him and his Madrid teammates to boycott the ceremony in Paris as a form of protest.
He attended the FIFA ceremony to accept his award after traveling to Doha with his team for the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca.
Bonmati’s victory marked her second consecutive win at FIFA’s awards, following her success at the Ballon d’Or. In 2024, she also secured the Spanish league, Spanish cup, and Champions League titles with Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti was recognized as the best men’s coach for leading Real Madrid to their 15th UEFA Champions League title and another La Liga championship.
In the women’s category, Emma Hayes, the current coach of the United States women’s national team, received the award after guiding her team to Olympic gold in Paris and winning her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho was awarded the Puskas award for his remarkable overhead kick against Everton last November.
Marta received the inaugural ‘FIFA Marta Award,’ named in her honor, for her outstanding solo goal against Jamaica during an international friendly in June.
