By Nurudeen Obalola
Vinicius Jr has won The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year prize ahead of Rodri.
He was presented with the gong at the The Best FIFA Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.
Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius had finished second to Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the Ballon d’Or weeks ago, sparking controversy and eliciting bitter reactions from Vinicius, his Real Madrid teammates, fans and the club hierarchy.
Vinicius won the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti has been voted Men’s Coach of the Year.
Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea handler who led the United States to Olympic gold in July, won the Women’s Coach of the Year award.
Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati is the Women’s Player of the Year, while Alejandro Garnacho’s acrobatic strike for Manchester United against Everton is the Puskas Award winner for the best goal.
