Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was named the Men’s Player of the Year at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 on Tuesday, while Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí took home the Women’s Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Vinícius, who was disappointed by his Ballon d’Or snub in October, attended the FIFA ceremony in Doha to collect his award after skipping the Ballon d’Or event in Paris as a protest. The Brazilian forward traveled with his Real Madrid teammates for the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, which took place the day before the awards ceremony.
Bonmatí, who has been in superb form for both Barcelona and Spain, claimed the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year award for the second year in a row. The 26-year-old midfielder led Barcelona to a treble of domestic titles, including the Spanish league, Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2024. She also won the Ballon d’Or Féminin for two straight years.
Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding Real Madrid to their 15th UEFA Champions League title and another La Liga championship.
In the women’s coaching category, Emma Hayes of the United States was honored as the Women’s Coach of the Year, following her success in leading the U.S. to Olympic gold in Paris and securing a fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title with Chelsea.
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho claimed the Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick against Everton in November 2023. The prestigious award is given for the best goal of the year.
Brazilian legend Marta received the inaugural FIFA Marta Award, named in her honor, for her remarkable solo effort against Jamaica in a June 2024 international friendly.
The ceremony in Doha highlighted the best in global football, with Bonmatí and Vinícius recognized for their exceptional performances over the past year.
