By Victor Kanayo
Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr Tuesday night emerged FIFA Best Footballer of the Year, 2024.
His emergence comes weeks after he was controversially denied the Balon d’Or award by the organisers in France.
The 24-year-old and his club boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or awards after missing out to Manchester City’s Rodri – but he picked up this prize in Doha, Qatar.
Also, his coach, Carlo Ancelotti was voted Coach of the Year, following his club’s sensational run in the 2023/24 season which ensured they lifted both UEFA Champions League trophy and La Liga title.
For Vinicius, he played a key role in Real’s Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists.
Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the women’s player of the year for the second year in a row.
This was the first time Vinicius has won the award and capped a happier finish to the season than October’s Ballon d’Or boycott.
The Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best awards are the two most prestigious in football.
This was Vinicius’ first FIFA prize, with Lionel Messi winning the previous two and Robert Lewandowski the two before that.
