Vinícius Jr. and Aitana Bonmatí Crowned FIFA The Best Award Winners

On December 17, 2024, Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid was awarded FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year, while Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona claimed the title for The Best Women's Player for the second consecutive year.

Vinícius, who finished behind Manchester City's Rodri for the Ballon d'Or in October, secured the The Best award with a narrow victory, receiving 48 votes compared to Rodri's 43. Jude Bellingham followed in third place with 37 votes.

In addition, Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho was honored with the Puskas Award for the goal of the year, recognized for his spectacular overhead kick against Everton last November.

Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea manager now leading the U.S. women's national team, was named Women's Coach of the Year after winning the Women's Super League and Olympic gold in Paris. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti received the Coach of the Year award for guiding his team to victory in both the Champions League and La Liga last season.