Vinicius Jr of Brazil and Real Madrid has been named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year in Doha.
His exceptional performances across the season saw him score 24 goals in 39 matches, helping Real Madrid secure the La Liga and Champions League titles. Vinicius also netted a crucial goal in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
The 24-year-old edged out Spain and Manchester City’s Rodri and his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham for the award. Speaking on the honor, Vinicius jr reflected, “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now I’m here.” He accepted the award in Doha, where Real Madrid are preparing for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexico’s Pachuca.
Aitana Bonmati Retains FIFA Women’s Player of the Year
Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has retained the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The 26-year-old also won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second time in October.
Bonmati was instrumental in Barcelona’s domestic treble last season and Spain’s Nations League victory, where she scored in both the semi-final and final. Expressing her gratitude, Bonmati said, “I’m very grateful for this award, but I always say this is a team effort, with Barca winning everything and the national team’s success.”
Carlo Ancelotti Named Best Men’s Coach
Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was named FIFA Best Men’s Coach after leading the club to a league and Champions League double last season. “I want to share this with the club, my president, and my players, those of the best club in the world,” said Ancelotti during the ceremony.
Complete Winners of The Best Awards:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| The Best FIFA Women’s Player | Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona/Spain) |
| The Best FIFA Men’s Player | Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid/Brazil) |
| The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper | Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars/USA) |
| The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper | Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa/Argentina) |
| The Best FIFA Women’s Coach | Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA) |
| The Best FIFA Men’s Coach | Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid/Italy) |
| The Marta Award | Marta (Brazil) |
| The Puskás Award | Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United/Argentina) |
| The Best FIFA Women’s 11 | Alyssa Naeher, Irene Paredes, Ona Batlle, Lucy Bronze, Naomi Girma, Aitana Bonmatí, Lindsey Horan, Gabi Portilho, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo |
| The Best FIFA Men’s 11 | Emiliano Martínez, Rúben Dias, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, William Saliba, Jude Bellingham, Rodri, Toni Kroos, Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal, Vinícius Junior |
