Vinicius Jr, Aitana Bonmati Win FIFA Best Players of the Year
Real Madrid attacker Vinicius Junior and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati were named FIFA Best men’s and women’s players of the year, respectively, at the FIFA Best Awards 2024 held in Doha on Tuesday.
Vinicius Jr: Rising to the Top
Vinicius Junior claimed the FIFA Best men’s player award after an exceptional season with Real Madrid, succeeding Lionel Messi, who won the previous two editions. This recognition comes just two months after the Brazilian finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Key Achievements:
- Secured his third La Liga title and second Champions League trophy with Real Madrid.
- Scored a decisive goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, sealing Madrid's 2-0 victory at Wembley.
- Tallied 24 goals and 11 assists across 39 matches in all competitions during the season.
- Netted a hat-trick in the Supercopa final, leading Madrid to a 4-1 triumph over Barcelona.
- Played a pivotal role in the Champions League, scoring six goals, including two against Bayern Munich in the semi-final.
Reflecting on his journey, Vinicius dedicated the award to children growing up in challenging circumstances, saying: “I grew up in a world of poverty and organized crime. This is for all the children who grow up in that world. I hope to inspire them to dream big.” He also thanked his club, teammates, and coach Carlo Ancelotti for their unwavering support.
Aitana Bonmati: Back-to-Back Brilliance
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati secured the FIFA Best women’s player award for the second consecutive year, reinforcing her dominance in women’s football. Bonmati, who also holds two Ballon d’Or trophies, added yet another prestigious accolade to her glittering career.
Key Achievements:
- Led Barcelona to a historic continental quadruple: Spanish League, Copa de la Reina, Supercopa de España, and a second consecutive Women’s Champions League title.
- Starred in the Champions League final, scoring a goal and delivering a player-of-the-match performance as Barcelona defeated Lyon 2-0.
- Helped Spain claim the Nations League title, further cementing her role as a key figure in international football.
In her acceptance speech, delivered via video link from Barcelona, Bonmati expressed gratitude and pride, saying: “I’m grateful and proud to receive this award. It reflects the hard work of my teammates, coaches, and everyone who supports me.”
Other Highlights:
- Puskas Award: Manchester United’s Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho won the award for Goal of the Year with his stunning bicycle kick against Everton in the Premier League.
- The awards ceremony took place in Doha, Qatar, as football royalty celebrated the best players, coaches, and moments from the year.
A Season to Remember
Vinicius and Bonmati’s triumphs underline their outstanding performances on the world stage, with both players showcasing skill, consistency, and leadership throughout the season. Their successes highlight the continued dominance of Spanish clubs in both men’s and women’s football and mark another unforgettable year for football fans globally.
SportsLigue
