Vinicius Jr, star of Real Madrid, has won the FIFA The Best 2024 award, beating great figures such as Rodri Hernández, who months earlier had unseated him in the Ballon d’Or. The Carioca was instrumental in winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Spanish Super Cup with his club, as well as excelling with his national team. He was also recognised as the Best Player of the Champions League 2023-24 after scoring in decisive moments, such as the final against Borussia Dortmund.
On an individual level, the Brazilian also shared the throne of top scorer of the Champions League in the calendar year, with nine goals, and was the most outstanding figure of the tournament. He emotionally thanked his teammates, coaches and family, recalling his humble origins in Sao Gonçalo.
The full vote for The Best award
The Brazilian beat Rodri by five points, while Messi came sixth in the final ranking. FIFA released the detailed results of the voting for The Best 2024 award, in which Vinicius Jr. was crowned the best player of the year with 48 points. The Brazilian beat Rodri, who finished second with 43 points, and Jude Bellingham, third with 37 points. Vinicius stood out for his dominance among team captains and for the massive support of the fans, who quadrupled the votes Rodri received in this category.
Lionel Messi, who came sixth with 25 points, was voted in first place by several captains, including Arturo Vidal and Gianluigi Donnarumma, and coaches such as Ricardo Gareca (Chile) and Marcelo Bielsa (Uruguay). In contrast, journalist Claudio Mauri, representing the Argentinian press, did not include him on his podium, choosing Rodri, Lamine Yamal and Toni Kroos.
The voting for The Best 2024 award was as follows:
- Vinicius Júnior: 48 points
- Rodri: 43 points
- Jude Bellingham: 37 points
- Dani Carvajal: 31 points
- Lamine Yamal: 30 points
- Lionel Messi: 25 points
- Toni Kroos: 18 points
- Erling Haaland: 18 points
- Kylian Mbappé: 14 points
- Florian Wirtz: 8 points
The FIFA The Best 2024 Ideal 11
The FIFA The Best 2024 Ideal 11 has recognised the most outstanding players of last season, with the line-up reflecting the dominance of Real Madrid and Manchester City in the footballing landscape. In goal, Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa) was voted the best goalkeeper. The defence is made up of Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Rúben Dias (Manchester City) and William Saliba (Arsenal). In midfield, Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos (Real Madrid) stand out, along with Rodri (Manchester City), who played a key role in his team’s treble. Up front, young talent Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), goalscorer Erling Haaland (Manchester City) and Vinícius Júnior (Real Madrid), who also won the player of the year award.
Real Madrid lead this elite selection with five representatives, underlining their dominance in the Champions League and domestic competitions. Manchester City, recent winners of the treble, contribute three key players who were instrumental in their successes. The presence of Lamine Yamal, just 17 years old, symbolises the generational renewal in football, while veterans such as Toni Kroos and Rúben Dias ensure consistency and leadership in a team that combines youth, talent and experience at the highest level.
