Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men’s player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards.
The 24-year-old and his club boycotted the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony after missing out to Manchester City’s Rodri – but he picked up this prize in Doha.
Vinicius played a key role in Real’s Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists.
Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the women’s player of the year for the second year in a row.
This was the first time Vinicius has won the award and capped a happier finish to the season than October’s Ballon d’Or boycott.
“It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo and now I’m here,” Vinicius said.
