Vinicius Jr, a forward for Brazil and Real Madrid, was awarded the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year in Doha on December 17. Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Spain and Barcelona, received the women’s award for the second consecutive year.
Vinicius found the back of the net 24 times in 39 matches in total, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid securing both the La Liga and Champions League titles. He also contributed with a goal in their Champions League final victory against Borussia Dortmund.
The Brazilian clinched the award, surpassing Spain and Manchester City’s Rodri, as well as his Real teammate, England’s Jude Bellingham.
The 24-year-old, who came close to winning the Ballon d’Or against Rodri in October, was in Doha to receive the award while Real was in Qatar for the Fifa Intercontinental Cup final on December 18 against Pachuca from Mexico.
“It felt like a dream when I ran without shoes on the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now I have arrived here,” Vinicius stated.
Bonmati Back-to-Back Success
Bonmati successfully defended her title as the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year, surpassing Zambia’s Barbra Banda and Norway’s Caroline Graham Hansen. She also secured the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year in a row in October.
The 26-year-old contributed to her team’s achievement of a domestic treble last season, during which Barca also held onto the Champions League title. Bonmati found the net in both the semi-final and the final when Spain secured victory in the Nations League in February.
“I’m truly thankful for this honor, but I consistently emphasize that this is a collective achievement, alongside a Barca that claimed every title and the national squad,” Bonmati stated.
Coaches and Special Honors
Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid received the award for best men’s coach after guiding his team to victory in both the league and the Champions League last season.
“I would like to convey this to the club, to my president, and to my players, who are part of the greatest club in the world,” Ancelotti expressed.
Emma Hayes was awarded the best women’s coach accolade after leading the US to a gold medal at this year’s Olympic Games, following her success in guiding Chelsea to the WSL title last season, marking her fifth consecutive league victory with the club.
Special Honors and Goalkeeping Awards
Alejandro Garnacho received the Puskas Award for the best goal of the year due to his impressive strike for Manchester United against Everton in the Premier League in November 2023.
Brazil’s Marta received the first-ever Marta Award, recognizing the finest goal in women’s football, for her goal scored against Jamaica in June of this year.
The award for the top women’s goalkeeper was presented to Alyssa Naeher from the Chicago Red Stars, while the men’s award was given to Emiliano Martinez from Argentina and Aston Villa.
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