Vinicius Junior Secures The Best FIFA Men's Player Award After Ballon D'Or Snub

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Vinicius Junior has been honoured with The Best FIFA Men's Player award for 2024, following his significant contributions to Real Madrid's success in LaLiga and the Champions League during the 2023-24 season. Despite missing out on the Ballon d'Or in October, Vinicius triumphed over competitors like Jude Bellingham, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal at FIFA's annual ceremony in Doha.

The Brazilian forward scored 24 goals and provided nine assists across all competitions last season. His performance included a crucial goal in Madrid's 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. In LaLiga, he netted 15 goals and assisted five times in 26 appearances, creating 31 chances.

Vinicius' dribbling skills were also noteworthy. He attempted 177 dribbles in the Spanish league, completing 36.7% of them. Only Savinho and Nico Williams attempted more dribbles than him. His efforts placed him among the top creators for Madrid, alongside Bellingham and Rodrygo.

The voting period for this prestigious award spanned from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024. It involved public votes along with selections by journalists and national team coaches. Vinicius joined an elite group of past winners like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Robert Lewandowski, and Luka Modric.

In addition to his individual accolade, Vinicius was named in FIFA's Best Men's XI alongside teammates Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, and the retired Toni Kroos. Other notable inclusions were Emiliano Martinez as Best Goalkeeper and players like Ruben Dias and Erling Haaland.

Other Award Highlights

Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid received the Best Men's Coach award for his leadership. Meanwhile, Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas award for his spectacular overhead kick against Everton last November.

Real Madrid's squad was already present in Qatar before the awards ceremony as they prepared for their upcoming Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca on Wednesday.

Vinicius' achievement highlights his resilience after narrowly missing out on the Ballon d'Or to Rodri two months prior. Real Madrid had expressed dissatisfaction with that decision by boycotting the Paris ceremony. Vinicius responded on X: "I'll do it 10 times if I have to. They're not ready."