Vinicius Jr., a winger for Real Madrid and Brazil, won the Fifa Best Awards’ men’s player of the year award.
After losing to Rodri of Manchester City, the 24-year-old and his team did not attend the recent Ballon d’Or event; instead, he accepted this award in Doha.
With 24 goals and 11 assists, Vinicius was a major contributor to Real Madrid’s 2023–24 Champions League and La Liga winning campaigns.
Aitana Bonmati, a midfielder for Barcelona, was selected the women’s player of the year for the second consecutive year earlier in the ceremony.
Vinicius received the prize for the first time, capping a more joyous season finale than the Ballon d’Or boycott in October.
“When I played barefoot in the streets, it seemed impossible.”