The prestigious FIFA Best Awards 2024 brought the world’s footballing elite together, with Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior officially crowned the Best Men’s Player, while Emma Hayes (Chelsea/USA) took home the Best Women’s Coach honor.
For Vinícius, this win marks a monumental achievement after an incredible year with Real Madrid, where he lifted four trophies—La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the European Super Cup. His explosive performances, including a hat-trick against Barcelona and crucial Champions League goals, left no doubt about his deserving win.
In the women’s category, Emma Hayes’ leadership and success with Chelsea and her new USA role secured her place as Best Women’s Coach, beating out notable names like Gareth Taylor (Manchester City) and Jonatan Giraldez (Barcelona).
The spotlight also shone brightly on Emiliano Martinez, who once again proved himself as the Best Men’s Goalkeeper after an outstanding season with Aston Villa and Argentina. On the women’s side, Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars/USA) claimed the top goalkeeper prize for her remarkable saves and consistency.
In the FIFA Puskás Award category, Alejandro Garnacho stole the show with his stunning bicycle kick goal for Manchester United against Everton—an unforgettable moment etched into football history.
The FIFA Best Men’s and Women’s XI were packed with global stars. The Men’s XI featured legends like Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Jr., while the Women’s XI saw top talents like Aitana Bonmatí and Salma Paralluelo dominate the list.
Brazil’s Thiago Maia won the Fair Play Award for his heroics during the Porto Alegre floods, proving that football’s spirit extends far beyond the pitch. Meanwhile, the FIFA Fan Award went to Guilherme Gandra Moura for his inspiring support story.
The night was a celebration of exceptional talent, breathtaking goals, and inspiring stories that continue to define the magic of football. As Vinícius Júnior lifts his crown, fans around the globe are reminded why he—and the entire award ceremony—represents the best of the beautiful game.
