December 17, (THEWILL) – Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024.
The Brazilian footballer triumphed following an exceptional year that saw him contribute to the club’s success in both domestic and European competitions. Despite being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or in October, Vinicius has now been recognised by FIFA for his outstanding performances.
During the 2023/2024 season, Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s achievements, helping the team lift both the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
His remarkable goal-scoring record includes 24 goals across all competitions in the previous season, with an additional 13 goals in the current campaign. The pinnacle of his year came during the UCL final in June, where he scored the second goal in a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
This historic win marks the first time Vinicius has claimed the FIFA award since its inception in 2016, and he stands as the sole Brazilian to have received this honour. Previous Real Madrid winners include Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, with Lionel Messi being the most recent recipient in 2023.
The shortlist for the 2024 award was notably competitive, featuring 10 nominees including Manchester City’s Rodri and Erling Haaland, as well as five additional Real Madrid players.
The award comes at a time of continued success for Vinicius, who has established himself as a key player for both club and country.
His consistent performance and ability to deliver in crucial moments have set him apart from his contemporaries. The recognition by FIFA underscores his significant impact on modern football and his potential for future achievements.
In parallel to his individual success, Real Madrid is preparing for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca in Qatar.
The team, led by manager Carlo Ancelotti, will compete in this prestigious tournament with a strong squad that includes Vinicius Junior and recently returned players like Kylian Mbappe and Eduardo Camavinga.
The match represents another opportunity for the club to demonstrate its global footballing excellence.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
