Vinícius Júnior has been crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024, a fitting recognition for an extraordinary year that showcased his remarkable talent and consistency for both Real Madrid and Brazil.
The 24-year-old Brazilian forward has had a phenomenal year, with key highlights including:
- Club Success:
- Champions League Glory: Vinícius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title, including scoring the crucial second goal in the 2-0 final victory over Borussia Dortmund in June.
- La Liga Triumph: He contributed significantly to Madrid’s 2023/24 La Liga title, with Los Blancos finishing the season 10 points clear of rivals Barcelona.
- Stellar Personal Stats:
- 2023/24 Season: Vinícius registered 24 goals across all competitions.
- 2024/25 Campaign (so far): He has already added 13 goals to his tally this season, solidifying his status as Madrid’s offensive talisman.
- Global Recognition:
Despite being controversially snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, where he lost to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, FIFA recognized Vinícius’s undeniable impact and brilliance on the global stage by awarding him their top honor.
Vinícius is the first Brazilian to win The Best FIFA Men’s Player award, which has been presented annually since 2016. Previous Brazilian contenders like Neymar came close, with a third-place finish in 2017. He joins an elite list of Real Madrid players to claim the honor, including:
- Cristiano Ronaldo (2016, 2017)
- Luka Modrić (2018)
Vinícius faced fierce competition for the award, including:
- Rodri (Manchester City), who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City), known for his goal-scoring feats.
- Other Real Madrid teammates like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Federico Valverde, and the recently retired Toni Kroos.
This win cements Vinícius Júnior’s status as one of the most influential and electrifying footballers in the world. His dazzling performances, clutch goals, and leadership on the field have made him a true icon for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, carrying the torch of Brazil’s rich footballing tradition into the modern era.
Vini Jr is #TheBest FIFA Men’s Player 2024! 🏆
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 17, 2024