Vinicius Jr announced as Fifa Best men's player of the year

-

Opinion: We think he's a worthy winner

Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior has been crowned Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards.

Author - Jack L

Vinicius Jr | Real Madrid
Picture from Real Madrid | Flickr

Vinícius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s success during their 2023-24 campaign, which saw them clinch both the Champions League and La Liga titles. He contributed an impressive 24 goals and 11 assists over the season.

Earlier in the evening, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí was named Women’s Player of the Year, securing the award for the second consecutive year.

This marks Vinícius’ first win at the FIFA Best Awards, offering a more positive end to the season following October’s Ballon d’Or snub.

The Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Awards are widely regarded as the two most prestigious accolades in football. Prior to this year, Lionel Messi had claimed the FIFA Best title for two consecutive years, with Robert Lewandowski winning the two before that.

This award, covering performances between August 2023 and August 2024, was decided through a combination of public votes, input from one journalist per country, and votes from the captains and managers of national teams. Each voting group carried an equal 25% weighting.

Real Madrid were already in Qatar for Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium.

Spain’s Euro 2024-winning midfielder Rodri finished as runner-up to Vinícius, while England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham claimed third place.

FIFA has since revealed details of how votes were cast. England captain Harry Kane placed Rodri at the top of his ballot, followed by Bellingham and Vinícius. Lee Carsley, England’s interim manager at the time, chose Bellingham, Rodri, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.

Elsewhere, Scotland boss Steve Clarke and Wales manager Craig Bellamy both picked Rodri as their number one choice. Wales captain Aaron Ramsey voted for Vinícius, while Northern Ireland skipper Paddy McNair also selected Rodri.

Brazil’s captain and manager both backed Vinícius, while their Spanish counterparts chose Real Madrid right-back Dani Carvajal.

Who's in the Team of the Year

Five Premier League players earned spots in the Men’s Team of the Year, alongside five from Real Madrid — including the now-retired Toni Kroos — and one from Barcelona.

The chosen XI featured Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa), Rúben Dias (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, and Kroos (all Real Madrid), Rodri and Erling Haaland (both Manchester City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid).

Do you agree with this? eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com

[image or embed]

— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 17 December 2024 at 21:04

Martínez was also named Goalkeeper of the Year, an accolade he richly deserved after helping Argentina win the Copa América.

At 32, the Aston Villa shot-stopper has now claimed the Best Goalkeeper award twice at both the Ballon d’Or and FIFA Best Awards, cementing his place as one of the game’s elite.

Popular posts from this blog

Manchester is red this Christmas

-
Image
Manchester City 1 - 2 Manchester United Manchester United delivered a sensational late comeback to snatch victory from Manchester City in a dramatic derby at the Etihad Stadium. Author - Olivia T City had looked set for the win after Josko Gvardiol’s first-half header, but United turned the game on its head in the dying moments, securing a crucial early triumph for new manager Ruben Amorim. The standout performer was Amad Diallo, who won an 88th-minute penalty after being brought down by Matheus Nunes. Bruno Fernandes coolly converted to level the score. Moments later, Diallo capitalised again, slotting home from a tight angle to complete the turnaround. It was a game of few clear chances, with both sides struggling to create much of note. United appeared to have squandered their best opportunity to equalise when Fernandes, put through by Rasmus Højlund, chipped Ederson but missed the target with 17 minutes remaining. However, the match erupted in the final moments, leaving City’s ...
Read more

Southampton sack Russell Martin after Spurs thrashing

-
Image
Southampton 0 - 5 Tottenham Hotspur Southampton have parted ways with manager Russell Martin following a humiliating 5-0 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday, which left the club nine points adrift of Premier League safety. Author - Greg S Interesting news from Southampton yesterday. What happens next for the club? https://t.co/Mu4Cn3x6Z9 https://t.co/lSN0fQqiUT — European Super Football (@ESFootballNews) December 16, 2024 The 38-year-old had led the Saints to promotion last season in his first year at the helm, securing a dramatic play-off final victory over Leeds United at Wembley. However, the heavy loss to Spurs marked Southampton’s 13th league defeat in just 16 matches this campaign. Their solitary win came against Everton in November, and they’ve struggled in front of goal, managing a league-low tally of just 11. A closer look at what happened to result in Martin's sacking James Maddison eased any pre-match nerves for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, scoring just 40 seconds into ...
Read more

Manchester United's year ends with another defeat

-
Image
Manchester United 0 - 2 Newcastle United Newcastle United secured a rare league victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, only their second since 1972, as they handed the hosts a third consecutive home defeat – a feat not seen in 45 years. Author - Olivia T This result also marked another unwanted milestone for United, who have now suffered five league losses in a single calendar month for the first time since Sir Matt Busby’s reign in September 1962. Eddie Howe’s side were deserved winners, with early strikes from Alexander Isak and Joelinton sealing the points and lifting Newcastle to fifth in the table to cap off a strong finish to 2024. The in-form Isak continued his hot streak, notching his 12th goal of the season and eighth in his last six matches, scoring in each of those games. In stark contrast, Manchester United were woeful. The last time they lost three consecutive home league games was in 1979, and this performance provided little cause for optimism. Head coach Ru...
Read more