Vinicius Jr sent a powerful message to his critics after winning the FIFA Best Men’s Player Award, a triumph that followed his Ballon d’Or disappointment in October.
The Brazilian forward had expressed his frustration after losing the prestigious Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri. However, Vinicius was named the best player in the world at the FIFA Best awards held in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday night, marking a significant redemption.
Real Madrid had boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony, upset by what they perceived as disrespect toward Vinicius. The 24-year-old forward had contributed 24 goals in 39 appearances, playing a crucial role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double victory. Vinicius felt that his performance warranted the Ballon d’Or, but voters ultimately passed him over in favor of Rodri.
In response, Vinicius posted on Twitter after the Ballon d’Or result: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.” With his FIFA Best win, he now feels vindicated.
On Instagram, Vinicius shared a heartfelt message reflecting on his journey: “Today I write to that boy who saw so many idols lift this trophy… his time has come. Or rather, my time has come. The time to say… yes, I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it.”
He added, “They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not prepared. No one will tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave. When I was in São Gonçalo, the system didn’t care for me. I was almost swallowed.”
Vinicius went on to dedicate his victory to his family, teammates, and supporters, saying, “I won for myself, for my family, with a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian National Team, my hundreds of teammates over the years… the people who accompany me daily in my routine, those who admire me… THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.”
Real Madrid players and staff quickly rallied behind him in solidarity. Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhães wrote: “Monster! You deserve it brother.” Real Madrid’s Fede Valverde added: “We are very proud of you!!” Luka Modric, a club legend, showed his support with a simple but powerful message: “The Best.”
While in Qatar for Real Madrid’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, Vinicius was able to collect his award in person. Reflecting on his incredible journey, he said: “It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of São Gonçalo, and now I’m here.”
It was a night of celebration for Real Madrid, with Carlo Ancelotti also winning the FIFA Best Men’s Coach award—an accolade he had been unable to collect at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Ancelotti shared his gratitude, saying, “I want to share this with the club, with my president, and with my players, those of the best club in the world.”
In other awards, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati claimed the FIFA Best Women’s Player award for the second consecutive year, and voters named Emma Hayes Best Women’s Coach. Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskas Award for his stunning overhead kick for Manchester United against Everton last year.
Vinicius’ victory at the FIFA Best Awards marks the culmination of his relentless determination and hard work, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite footballers.
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