The FIFA Best Awards held here on Tuesday crowned Vinicius Jr. the 2024 men’s player of the year. Despite boycotting this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after losing to Rodri, Real Madrid’s winger won thanks to his great performances. With 24 goals and 11 assists, the 24-year-old helped Real win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
Vinicius Jr won his first FIFA award, succeeding Lionel Messi, who won the prior two. Vinicius upset reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and Real teammate Jude Bellingham, who finished second and third. Public voting, one journalist from each country, and the captain and management of each national team selected the football award for August 2023–August 2024. Votes were 25% per group.
The FIFA Best Awards’ men’s team of the year included five Real Madrid, five Manchester City, and one Barcelona players.
Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas award for best men’s goal of the year for his bicycle kick in a 3-0 win over Everton in November 2023. “I’m very proud to win this award,” Garnacho stated in a pre-recorded interview. “My family and I am proud. A specific objective I’ll always remember
