Vinícius Jnr, Bonmatí Top The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024
Real Madrid’s forward Vinícius Junior and Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 winner, Aitana Bonmatí have been named The Best FIFA Men’s Player and The Best FIFA Women’s Player at a star-studded The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony held in Doha, Qatar.
After the disappointment of losing out controversially to Spain and Manchester City midfielder, Rodri in the Ballon d’Or, it was a fitting outing to end the year for the Brazilian in Doha as he received the award from FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the well-attended ceremony.
Vinícius scored Real Madrid’s second goal in the final, one of 24 strikes in 39 competitive club appearances in the 2023-24 season, as the Spanish club claimed a record-extending 15th UEFA Champions League title in June.
He was also part of the Brazil squad that reached the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa América quarter-finals in the USA and added the La Liga title, the Supercopa de España and the UEFA Super Cup to the European crown en route to succeeding FIFA World Cup 2022 winner Lionel Messi as The Best FIFA Men’s Player.
In the female category, Spain’s FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 winner and Barcelona midfielder Bonmatí was voted The Best FIFA Women’s Player for the second time in a row.
The 26-year-old Spaniard followed up her World Cup-winning year with another trophy-laden 12 months for club and country.
Speaking after being presented with the award by FIFA President Infantino at a gala dinner to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, the 24-year-old Vinicius said; “I don’t even know where to begin. It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime.
“Getting here is something very important to me. I’m doing it for many children who think that everything is impossible and who think they can’t get here.
“I have to thank everyone who voted for me, all the players, coaches, journalists and my fans. I couldn’t forget to thank my family, who gave up living their dream to live mine. I want to thank the President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Mr Carleto, and my team who helped me get here and made me believe that I could make a difference and do great things with them.”
On her part, Bonmatí, who won a domestic treble and the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the Catalan giants in 2024, as well as the UEFA Women’s Nations League with her national team, said; “I am grateful to receive this award. As I always say, this is a team effort.
“It was a great year, very difficult to repeat. I am grateful to the people who help me to be better every day, from the club, to my teammates, who always help me to be better.
“It is a pleasure to be here again and to go for more, for more collective titles, which are what make you be here and the most important ones.”
The 20-year anniversary of the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar is a prelude to the FIFA Intercontinental Cup Qatar 2024 final, where the La Liga defending champions, Real Madrid will square up against Mexican side, CF Pachuca.
