GENEVA, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr succeeded Lionel Messi to win The Best FIFA Men's Player 2024 award, while Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati won The Best Women's Player for the second consecutive year on Tuesday.
The world football governing body FIFA held The Best FIFA Football Award 2024 ceremony in Doha, Qatar, where other awards were also announced based on the votes from fans, captains and coaches of national teams and the media.
Vinicius Jr had 48 points, while Manchester City's Spanish midfielder Rodri collected 43 points in the second. Real Madrid's English midfielder Jude Bellingham placed third with 37 points.
Messi was ranked sixth with 25 points, as the first choice of each vote counts five points, the second counts three points and the last counts one point, according to the rule.
"The Brazil and Real Madrid star enjoyed the most spectacular season of his career in 2023-24. He regularly produced match-defining moments for Real Madrid, racking up 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions," FIFA announced.
Barcelona's Spanish star Bonmati becomes the sixth player to win this award more than once. Bonmati helped Spain win the UEFA Women's Nations League, and Barcelona claimed the UEFA Women's Champions League title.
The 26-year-old collected 52 voting points ahead of Barbra Banda of Zambia (39 points) and Caroline Graham Hansen of Norway (37 points).
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti won The Best Men's Coach award, while Chelsea's Emma Hayes won The Best Women's Coach award.
The Best Men's Goalkeeper award went to Argentine Emiliano Martinez while American Alyssa Naeher was crowned the Best Women's Goalkeeper.
FIFA also announced the Men's and Women's Best 11 as well as winners of other awards, including the Fair Play, Fan Award, etc. ■
