Vinicius Jr is crowned FIFA Men’s Best Player while Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s votes are revealed.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has been awarded the FIFA Men’s Best Player accolade for the period spanning August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024. The Brazilian winger played a pivotal role in helping Los Blancos achieve a remarkable treble, clinching the La Liga title, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.
The 24-year-old topped the voting with 48 points, edging out Manchester City’s Rodri, who secured second place with 43 points. While Vinicius’ teammate, Jude Bellingham, finished third with 37 points.
Also Read: Harvey Elliott’s bold claim: ready to shine in Liverpool’s crucial cup clash
This victory comes after Vinicius narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or earlier in the year, making his recognition by FIFA even more significant.
A panel of experts initially compiled an 11-player shortlist, featuring prominent names such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland. Notably, no Liverpool players were included in the shortlist this year. Votes were then cast by a diverse group. The group included national team coaches, captains, journalists, and fans, who selected their top three players in order.
Salah and Van DIjk’s votes revealed!
As the captain of the Netherlands national team, Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk had the opportunity to participate in the voting process. His top three selections were:
- Vinicius Jr
- Erling Haaland
- Rodri
Virgil van Dijk's votes for FIFA The Best award:
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 17, 2024
🥇 Vinicius Junior
🥈 Erling Haaland
🥉 Rodri pic.twitter.com/1FEKo01l0N
Meanwhile, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah, representing Egypt as national team captain, cast his votes as follows:
- Vinicius Jr
- Rodri
- Dani Carvajal
Mohamed Salah's votes for FIFA The Best award:
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) December 17, 2024
🥇 Vinicius Junior
🥈 Rodri
🥉 Dani Carvajal pic.twitter.com/8f6bLWH3hR
Vinicius’ exceptional season, marked by consistent performances in critical matches, made him a clear favorite for the award. His contributions on the pitch not only solidified Real Madrid’s dominance but also highlighted his individual brilliance.
Liverpool fans, however, remain optimistic about the future. With the team currently delivering strong performances both domestically and in Europe, there is hope that one of their own players could be in contention for this prestigious award next year. Salah, in particular, has been in scintillating form, and his impact on Liverpool’s success might place him on future shortlists.
The FIFA Men’s Best Player award serves as a testament to a player’s influence over a season, and Vinicius Jr’s recognition solidifies his place among football’s elite.
Also Read: Reports: Liverpool offers new contract to Trent Alexander-Arnold
Author
-
Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where "You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport. My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it's discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I'm always ready for a football conversation.