By Oluwaferanmi Omoniyi
Vinicius Junior made history by winning the Fifa Best Player award.
Vinicius Junior, the talented Brazilian forward from Real Madrid, won the award for Best Fifa Men’s Player, beating out stiff competition from Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri and a colleague at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius, who missed the Ballon d’Or award to Rodri, beat fierce competition from the Spaniard and fellow teammate Jude Bellingham.
After helping Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League in 2023-24, the Brazilian was recognised at Fifa’s annual awards ceremony in Doha.
Losing narrowly to Rodri at the Ballon d’Or, Madrid described the decision as “disrespectful” and boycotted the Paris ceremony.
The talented winger follows in the footsteps of Los Blancos stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric, who have previously won the gong.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Vinicius Junior said. “It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime.
“Getting here is something very important to me. I’m doing it for many children who think that everything is impossible and who think they can’t get here.”
This recognition follows the Brazilian’s incredible performance in the 2023-2024 season, where he played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
Other notable winners were also present at the ceremony, including Carlo Ancelotti, who won the Best Fifa Men’s Coach award, and Emma Hayes, who took home the Best Fifa Women’s Coach award.
Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskás award for his stunning overhead kick against Everton, while Marta received the inaugural Fifa Marta award for her incredible goal against Jamaica.
