Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal national team boss Roberto Martinez's top 3 choices for FIFA The Best Men’s player award revealed
Cristiano Ronaldo's national team head coach Roberto Martinez chose Dani Carvajal, Lamine Yamal, and Vinícius Jr. as his three picks for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men’s Player award. The ceremony for the 2024 FIFA The Best Awards took place tonight (December 17) in Doha, Qatar.
Dani Carvajal was one of the best players for Real Madrid last season, winning the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Supercopa de Espana with the side. The Spaniard registered six goals and five assists in 41 games across competitions. The right-back was also a part of the Spanish side that won Euro 2024.
Lamine Yamal, meanwhile, has been one of the most clutch players for both club and country since his debut in April 2023. The prodigal La Masia graduate scored seven goals and provided nine assists in 50 games across competitions for Barcelona and also helped La Roja lift Euro 2024. One of Yamal's finest moments of last season was his 21st minute goal against France in the Euro 2024 semi-final on July 9.
As per FIFA's official documents featuring votes for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men’s Player award, Roberto Martinez ranked Dani Carvajal first, followed by Lamine Yamal and Vinicius Jr. in second and third position, respectively.
Vinicius Jr. was one of the best players for Real Madrid last season, scoring 24 goals and creating 11 more with Los Blancos across competitions. The Brazilian winger was especially clutch in the UEFA Champions League, where he dominated against Bayern Munich in both legs of the semi-final, scoring twice and helping Los Blancos win 4-3 across two legs.
Vinicius even scored in the final in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, helping the club win a record-extending 15th Champions League title.
Vinicius Jr. named 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. was named The Best Men's Player of the Year at the 2024 FIFA The Best Awards in Doha, Qatar. The Brazilian juggernaut succeeded Argentine maestro Lionel Messi, who claimed the award last year for a stellar performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
On October 28, Vinicius Jr. was left disappointed after he failed to win the 2024 FIFA Ballon d'Or, which was instead awarded to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. However, he was an overwhelming favorite for this year, which was decided by the votes of journalists, national team managers, coaches, and team captains from across the world.
Following his alleged Ballon d'Or snub, Vinicius Jr.'s Real Madrid teammates boycotted the Ballon d'Or gala at the Théâtre du Châtelet. However, they are in Doha currently and will face Mexican outfit Pachuca in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday, December 18.