Neymar Jr sends message to Vinicius Jr as latter wins 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player award
Brazil legend Neymar Jr has sent a message to Vinicius Jr after the 24-year-old was named 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year. It was a remarkable 2023-24 season for Vinicius as he led Real Madrid to three trophies - La Liga, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana.
Vinicius clinched the award during the ceremony in Doha on Tuesday. The winger notably lost out on the coveted Ballon d'Or award in October, which was handed to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Vinicius and the Real Madrid contingent refused to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony after they learned that the Brazilian winger would not win.
However, he has beaten Rodri to The Best Men's Player of the Year award, with the Spanish midfielder finishing second. Neymar reached out to congratulate Vinicius Jr on Instagram Stories, posting a picture of the two hanging out together alongside one of the 24-year-old and his award.
The Brazil legend said (via Madrid Zone on X):
“Congrats Vini. Well deserved. Very happy for you. Keep flying.”
Vinicius remains crucial for Los Blancos, having scored 13 goals and provided nine assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this season.
"It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here" - Vinicius Jr after clinching FIFA The Best award
Vincius Jr expressed his delight after winning the 2024 FIFA The Best Men's Player of the Year award in Doha. After receiving the award from FIFA president Gianni Infantino, he told the guests at the gala (via FIFA):
"I don't even know where to begin. It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime."
"Getting here is something very important to me. I'm doing it for many children who think that everything is impossible and who think they can't get here."
Vinicius Jr continued:
"I have to thank everyone who voted for me, all the players, coaches, journalists and my fans. I couldn't forget to thank my family, who gave up living their dream to live mine."
"I want to thank the President [of FIFA], Gianni Infantino], Mr. Carleto, and my team who helped me get here and made me believe that I could make a difference and do great things with them.”
Vinicius Jr will be eager to make an impact for Real Madrid in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2024 final. They will face Mexican outfit CF Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium on Wednesday, December 18.