In a remarkable celebration of football excellence, Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior and FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati were honored as the top male and female players at FIFA's The Best awards for 2024. Vinicius, at just 24 years old, secured the men's player of the year award, while Bonmati, aged 26, claimed her second consecutive FIFA women's player of the year award.
Vinicius's victory came after a stellar season, where he netted 24 goals in 39 appearances, contributing significantly to Real Madrid's triumph in securing their record-extending 15th European Cup. Notably, he became the youngest player to score in two Champions League finals, a testament to his rising stardom in the sport.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Vinicius reflected on his journey from the streets of Sao Goncalo, Brazil, to the pinnacle of football. He expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "Getting here is something very important to me," and dedicated his win to children who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Bonmati's achievement also underscores her exceptional performance, having led Barcelona to victory in the Spanish League, Spanish Cup, and Champions League during the past year. She emphasized the importance of teamwork in her success, stating, "This is a team effort," as she celebrated her continued excellence in women's football.
The FIFA Best awards are determined through a voting system inclusive of fans, national team captains, coaches, and media representatives, highlighting the global recognition of these athletes' achievements.