Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has just been named the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year, a well-deserved recognition for his incredible performance throughout 2024.
A Year to Remember
It’s been an extraordinary year for Vinicius Junior, who helped guide Real Madrid to both the Champions League and La Liga titles under the leadership of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Throughout the year, he delivered on the pitch with an impressive tally of 30 goals and 16 assists, contributing greatly to his team’s success.
A Bold Snub at the Ballon d’Or
Interestingly, Vinicius Jr. and his Real Madrid teammates decided to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony back in October.
The players had already learned that Manchester City’s Rodri would be the one taking home the prestigious award, and they chose to focus on their own achievements rather than attending the event.
A Humble Journey to the Top
Reflecting on his journey, Vinicius Junior shared an emotional moment: “It was looking impossible for me to arrive here on this stage… I came from a small place, close to poverty and crime. Now I’m here.”
His story is a testament to resilience and hard work.
FIFA Best vs. Ballon d’Or
The FIFA Best awards celebrate a player’s achievements over the calendar year, unlike the Ballon d’Or, which is awarded based on a season’s performance.
This distinction means it’s possible for a player to win one and not the other, as the two cover different periods of time.
The FIFA Best awards have been running in their current form since 2016, though they were previously known as the FIFA World Player of the Year.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development!