Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior has officially been named the FIFA Best Player of the Year 2024, solidifying his status as one of the brightest stars in world football. Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which controversially slipped through his grasp to Spain’s Rodri Hernandez, Vinícius now claims this coveted honor for the first time in his stellar career.
The Brazilian forward’s 2024 campaign has been nothing short of legendary. With 31 goals in 46 matches, Vinícius played a pivotal role in securing four major trophies for Real Madrid: La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the European Super Cup. His hat-trick against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final and decisive performances in the Champions League—including a goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund—highlighted his undeniable influence.
While his performances with the Brazilian national team were less explosive, Vinícius’ club numbers were unstoppable. His achievements also include being crowned Best Player of the Champions League for the season, underlining his consistency and big-game presence.
This award marks a triumphant chapter in Vinícius’ career after narrowly missing the Ballon d’Or. Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, voiced frustrations over that outcome, calling for a fairer voting process. But this time, Vinícius claimed his crown thanks to votes from fans, captains, coaches, and journalists across 211 FIFA nations.
Notably, Vinícius’ unwavering loyalty to Madrid added to his legend. Despite a jaw-dropping €1 billion offer from Saudi Arabia earlier this year, the star attacker stayed true to Los Blancos, rejecting the move.
As Vinícius prepares for the Intercontinental Cup final, this FIFA Best Player title will be the perfect motivation to close out 2024 with even more silverware. From stunning goals to unforgettable performances, Vinícius Júnior has proven that he’s not just a player—he’s a force.
