By: Kwame Bediako
Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr. has been honoured as the men’s player of the year at the FIFA Best Awards. The 24-year-old athlete, who recently made headlines for boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony after being overlooked in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri, celebrated a significant personal achievement as he received this prestigious award.
His remarkable contributions to Real Madrid’s successful 2023-24 season, which included clinching both the Champions League and La Liga titles, played a pivotal role in securing this accolade.
Vinicius Jr’s stellar performance throughout the season was nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive tally of 24 goals and 11 assists, he emerged as a key player for Real Madrid, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination on the field. This recognition marks a significant milestone in Vinicius’s career, as it is his first FIFA award, highlighting his evolution from a young boy playing barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo to a celebrated football star on the global stage.
The ceremony also saw Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati being named the women’s player of the year for the second consecutive year, underlining the growing recognition of talent across genders in the sport. As Vinicius Jr. accepted his award, he reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities he has had and the challenges he has overcome. His emotional speech resonated with many, emphasising the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s dreams.
Vinicius’s triumph at the FIFA Best Awards serves as a reminder of the fierce competition in football, especially considering the previous winners of this honour, including Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski.
