Joshua Kimmich snubs Vinicius Jr as he names 3 choices for FIFA The Best Men’s Player award
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich snubbed Vinicius Jr in his three choices for the 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player award. The Germany national team captain voted for Rodri, Toni Kroos, and Florian Wirtz.
The award is decided by a weighted combined vote from national team captains, coaches, fans, and media representatives. Each voter is given three slots where the first pick allocates five points to the nominee, the second gives three points and the third slot carries one point.
For his first pick, Kimmich chose Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. The 28-year-old had an outstanding 2023-24 season for club and country. He won the Premier League, Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Pep Guardiola's side, registering nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games. Rodri was also instrumental for Spain as they clinched Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament. He subsequently won the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Toni Kroos enjoyed a successful final season with Real Madrid. The former Germany international helped Los Blancos clinch LaLiga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana. He contributed a goal and 10 assists in 48 outings for the Spanish giants.
Florian Wirtz, meanwhile, was one of Bayer Leverkusen's most outstanding players in their historic 2023-24 season. The 21-year-old scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists in 48 matches as Xabi Alonso's side won its first-ever Bundesliga title, the DFB Pokal, and finished runners-up to Atalanta in the Europa League.
Nevertheless, Vinicius garnered the most votes (48) to win the coveted Men's Player of the Year award. Rodri finished second with 43 votes, Kroos got 17 points and was ranked seventh, while Wirtz placed 10th with eight votes.
Toni Kroos reacts on social media after Vinicius Jr wins 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player award
Former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder Toni Kroos praised Vinicius Jr on social media after the latter was named 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year. Vinicius enjoyed a remarkable 2023-24 campaign with Los Blancos. He contributed 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games as Real Madrid won the league and Champions League double as well as the Supercopa de Espana.
After notably missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian winger clinched the FIFA The Best Award on Tuesday, December 17. Kroos took to Instagram to celebrate Vinicius Jr. He posted a picture of the 24-year-old with his award, with the caption (via Madrid Zone on X):
"The best, my Junior," alongside a white heart emoji.
Vinicius Jr and Toni Kroos shared the pitch 209 times for Real Madrid, recording seven joint goal participations.