Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati took home the top individual honors at FIFA’s The Best ceremony, celebrating a stellar year in their respective careers. Vinicius was named the men’s player of the year, while Bonmati secured the women’s accolade, capping off a remarkable season for both stars.
Despite finishing second to Rodri for the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius claimed FIFA’s prestigious title after an instrumental role in Real Madrid’s success. The Brazilian winger played a key part in Real Madrid’s domestic triumphs and their Champions League title last season. He also earned a spot in the FIFA XI of the year alongside teammates Antonio Rüdiger, Toni Kroos, and Jude Bellingham.
Men’s Awards Highlights
- Player of the Year: Vinicius Junior
- Coach of the Year: Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Emiliano Martinez
- FIFA XI: Martinez, Carvajal, Ruben Dias, Saliba, Rüdiger, Rodri, Kroos, Bellingham, Lamine Yamal, Haaland, Vinicius Junior
Aitana Bonmati: Leading Barcelona and Spain to Glory
Aitana Bonmati’s dominance on the pitch earned her the women’s player of the year award after a season where she led Barcelona to a domestic treble and a Champions League triumph. On the international stage, Bonmati was instrumental in Spain’s UEFA Nations League victory, scoring in both the semi-final and the final.
Women’s Awards Highlights
- Player of the Year: Aitana Bonmati
- Coach of the Year: Emma Hayes (Chelsea)
- Goalkeeper of the Year: Alyssa Naeher
- FIFA XI: Naeher, Lucy Bronze, Irene Paredes, Naomi Girma, Ona Batlle, Bonmati, Lindsey Horan, Gabi Portilho, Patri Guijarro, Caroline Graham Hansen, Salma Paralluelo
Celebrating Excellence
FIFA’s The Best ceremony underscored the brilliance of individual and team achievements, with Vinicius and Bonmati leading the charge as the best of the best in 2023.
