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The Brazilian Vinicius Junior, one of the stars of Real Madrid, made history this Tuesday by winning the FIFA "The Best" award at a ceremony held in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
The star forward received the award from Gianni Infantino, president of the world’s top football organization, at an event that coincided with the team’s stay in the city before competing in the Intercontinental Cup against the Mexican team Pachuca.
Unlike the Ballon d'Or, organized by France Football in collaboration with UEFA, this time there were no surprises. Vinicius Junior won the award following a memorable season, during which he claimed La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de España with the white team.
The attacking player from Rio, widely celebrated on social media, shone as a key figure for the team with 24 goals and nine assists, standing out as the most crucial player in the attacking area.
With this recognition, Vinicius took over from Lionel Messi, the last winner of "The Best," and became the first Brazilian to receive it since its inception
At just 24 years old, this award represents the most significant individual achievement of his career, especially following his second-place finish in the recent Ballon d'Or voting.
In his acceptance speech, Vinicius expressed his emotions: "I want to thank everyone. I will continue to fight to play many more years at Real Madrid. I also thank Flamengo, where it all began."
On the other hand, FIFA also revealed the best eleven of the year, a star-studded team featuring prominent names from world football, although the absence of French player Kylian Mbappé was surprising.
Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez.
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Ruben Dias, Saliba.
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Rodrigo Hernández, Toni Kroos.
Forwards: Lamine Yamal, Vinicius Jr., and Erling Haaland.
Frequently Asked Questions about the "The Best" Award given to Vinicius Jr.
Why did Vinicius Jr. win the FIFA "The Best" award in 2024?
Vinicius Jr. won the FIFA "The Best" award in 2024 thanks to his outstanding season with Real Madrid, where he played a crucial role in securing La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de España. He contributed 24 goals and nine assists, establishing himself as the most influential player in the team's attack.
What is the difference between FIFA's "The Best" award and the Ballon d'Or?
The FIFA "The Best" award is given by the International Football Association Federation and focuses on recognizing the best player of the year based on a committee of experts as well as votes from coaches, captains, and journalists. On the other hand, the Ballon d'Or is organized by France Football in collaboration with UEFA and also honors the best player of the year, but its selection process can involve different criteria and voters, which sometimes leads to different winners.
How did Kylian Mbappé's absence influence the FIFA Best XI of the year?
The absence of Kylian Mbappé in FIFA's best eleven of the year surprised many, as he is regarded as one of the best players in the world. While his performances in the Euro Cup and with Real Madrid were notable, they were not enough for him to be included in the ideal eleven, sparking debate among fans and football experts.
What does this award mean for Vinicius Jr.'s career?
For Vinicius Jr., winning the "The Best" award represents the most significant individual recognition of his career to date. At just 24 years old, this achievement not only validates his talent and hard work on the field but also places him in a prominent position among the best footballers in the world, especially after finishing second in the Ballon d'Or voting.
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