At the FIFA The Best award ceremony held on Tuesday (17) in Doha, Qatar, Brazilian star Vinícius Júnior was crowned the world’s best player, marking a historic milestone for Brazilian football. However, Lionel Messi’s voting choices stole the spotlight and sparked debates: the Argentine legend, an eight-time winner of the title, ranked Vinícius Júnior only third on his personal list of favorites.
Messi, captain of the Argentine national team, gave his top vote to young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal, followed by French forward Kylian Mbappé. Vinícius, who had a stellar year with Real Madrid, was placed in third. The stark contrast between Messi’s preferences and the overall result of the award became one of the night’s most discussed topics, dividing fans and analysts alike.
Vinícius Júnior’s dominance this season
Vinícius Júnior’s victory was the result of a spectacular season for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. The forward scored 48 points in the final voting, surpassing Manchester City’s Rodri, who earned 43 points, and his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who finished third overall.
The Brazilian star was pivotal in crucial matches, showcasing technical skill, speed, and vision that cemented his place at the top of global football. This is Vinícius’s first World Player of the Year award and the first for a Brazilian since Kaká in 2007, reinforcing Brazil’s significant impact on international football.
Messi’s controversial choices
Messi, a perennial figure at such awards, was once again in the spotlight, but this time due to his voting decisions. By prioritizing Lamine Yamal, a rising talent from Barcelona, and Kylian Mbappé, his former PSG teammate, Messi overlooked Vinícius Júnior’s dominant campaign in Europe. This decision sparked speculation about possible personal preferences or Messi’s admiration for players with styles closer to his own.
Nevertheless, Messi’s choices did not overshadow Vinícius’s accomplishment, as the Brazilian received widespread recognition from coaches, national team captains, journalists, and fans.
Real Madrid’s influence on the Team of the Year
Real Madrid played a central role in the ceremony, with five players making the Men’s Team of the Year: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior. This dominance reflects the club’s impact on major tournaments like the UEFA Champions League, where Real Madrid once again stood out.
Additionally, Carlo Ancelotti, the club’s coach, was named Best Coach of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a masterful leader capable of managing a star-studded roster.
Highlights from the award ceremony
The event in Doha also celebrated other remarkable achievements in global football. Among the highlights was the Puskás Award, given to Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United for the most beautiful goal of the season. In women’s football, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí was named the world’s best player for the second consecutive year, cementing her status among the sport’s greats.
Another emotional moment was the presentation of the newly created “Marta Award,” honoring legendary Brazilian player Marta Vieira da Silva. Marta herself received the inaugural award, which recognizes the most beautiful goal of the year in women’s football.
Transparency in voting and global impact
Once again, FIFA disclosed detailed voting results, promoting transparency and connecting fans with the selection process. This initiative strengthens the bond between the public and the players, allowing supporters to understand the preferences and perspectives of football’s biggest names.
The FIFA The Best 2024 ceremony solidified Vinícius Júnior’s reputation as a global star and highlighted Messi’s enduring influence in the sport, even in a more controversial role this time. The event underscored the diversity and richness of world football, celebrating talents from different generations and regions.