Vinicius Jr wins 2024 FIFA Best Player Award after Ballon d’Or snub

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior won the 2024 edition of the Federation of International Football (FIFA) Best Player Award held on December 17, 2024.

The winger garnered 48 points to beat off stiff competition from Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who had 43 points, finishing in second position.

Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Lamine Yamal, Lionel Messi, Toni Kroos, Erling Haaland, and Kylian Mbappe occupied the third to ninth positions respectively.

During his speech, Vinicius Jr thanked his club, family members, and all those who have contributed to his success at the club.

He also thanked club Real Madrid President Florentino Perez for giving him the opportunity and trusting him from a young age before reaching his best level.

“I want to thank Florentino Perez, José Ángel Sánchez, and Carlo Ancelotti. Real Madrid always helped me a lot and trusted me from when I was only 16 years old. I want to continue playing for Real Madrid for a long time; it is the best club in the world,” he said.

Meanwhile, there was controversy when Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or over Vinicius, which led Real Madrid to boycott the event.

Carlo Ancelotti also won the Best Coach of the Year Award, adding to the Spanish club’s successes at this year’s event.

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