Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has been crowned FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year at a ceremony held in Doha on Tuesday. Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati claimed the women’s award for the second consecutive year.
The recognition comes just two months after Vinicius, 24, finished as runner-up in the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid notably boycotted that ceremony after learning Manchester City’s Rodri would take home the honor.
This time, the Brazilian star was present to collect his award in person, as he is currently in Qatar with his team preparing for Wednesday’s Intercontinental Cup final against Mexico’s Pachuca.
Vinicius takes over from Lionel Messi, who had won the previous two editions of the FIFA Best Men’s Player award.
“I’m grateful, I’m proud to receive this award,” Bonmati said via video link from Barcelona’s Olympic stadium.
Last term, Bonmati led Barcelona to a historic continental quadruple of titles and claimed the Nations League with her national team.
She won every trophy available to her in club football in 2023/24 — the Spanish league, the Copa de la Reina, the Supercopa de Espana and a second-successive Women’s Champions League.
