New Delhi: The Best FIFA Football Awards have long been regarded as one of the most prestigious accolades in football, celebrating the players, coaches, and teams that have defined the beautiful game over the past year. Established in 2017 to revive the legacy of the FIFA World Player Gala, the awards honor excellence across multiple categories, with winners determined through votes from fans, national team captains, and media representatives.
This year, the selection criteria for men’s awards span achievements from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024, a period that has seen remarkable performances and unforgettable moments. The nominees for all categories, revealed on November 28, have already set the stage for fierce debates among football enthusiasts. The FIFA Best Men’s Player award is shaping up to be a thrilling contest, with Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri and Real Madrid’s electrifying winger Vinícius Júnior emerging as standout contenders.
With the spotlight on their exceptional contributions during the eligibility period, the nominees for 2024 represent the pinnacle of footballing talent. As the anticipation builds for the announcement of winners, fans and experts alike are reflecting on the incredible achievements that have defined this footballing year. Here’s a closer look at the top five contenders vying for recognition at The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024.
5) Dani Carvajal
Don’t sleep on Dani Carvajal’s season… 🏆
The @RealMadrid and @SEFutbol defender has been nominated for #TheBest FIFA Men’s Player 2024! ✨
Voting is now open! Click below to vote for your winner. ⬇️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 3, 2024
The Real Madrid right-back had a great 2023/24 season for both his club and country as he played an important part in both Real Madrid and Spain’s triumphs last season. Carvajal made 41 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign. He contributed to 11 goals during that time, including the opener in the UEFA Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, setting the platform for Real Madrid’s 15th UCL win.
He helped his side to a Champions League and La Liga double, adding a record equaling sixth UEFA Champions League winners medal to his tally. He then capped off an excellent year with his club by representing Spain at this summer’s UEFA European Championships. He played five of Spain’s seven games at the tournament, only missing the final group stage match as Spain had already qualified and the semi-final against France on account of suspension. He was one of only two players to end the season with the country’s league, UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Euros, which make him a strong candidate for the award.
4) Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz put Germany and the world on notice. 🌟
Vote for #TheBest FIFA Men’s Player! 🗳️⤵️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 9, 2024
Germany’s young sensation, Florian Wirtz was making all the waves last season after showing his potential in his early days. Wirtz was a huge part of Bayer Leverkusen’s invincible run last season which got him a place in Germany’s squad for the UEFA Euro 2024. The 2023/24 campaign was the breakout campaign for the German International as he contributed to 18 goals and 20 assists for Leverkusen all season.
Wirtz helped his boyhood club to their first ever Bundesliga title and also added the DFB-Pokal to their kitty. He even took his team to the finals of the UEFA Europa League but ultimately fell at the final hurdle to Atalanta. Wirtz remains an outside shot to win the award but when it comes to goal contributions and trophies won combined, no player amongst the nominees has a better chance to win the title.
3) Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Jr. took Europe by storm. ⚡️
Does he deserve to be crowned #TheBest? Voting is now open! 🗳️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 7, 2024
Real Madrid caused quite an uproar at the Ballon d’Or ceremony when they refused to show up after learning that Vinicius Junior wouldn’t be winning the award but the Brazilian is in contention to win tonight as well. As no such reports of a boycott have surfaced yet, the Real Madrid winger might win this individual honour this time. Vinicius was instrumental in carrying Real Madrid last season, helping them to the League and Champions League double.
The 24-year-old had his best ever season in a Real Madrid shirt, making 39 appearances in all competitions. In those appearances, Vinicius contributed to 24 goals and 11 assists throughout the season, ending the campaign as Madrid’s highest goal contributor. However, the fact that Real Madrid had multiple stars leading their charge to the titles might diminish Vinicius’ individual contributions, leading to him missing out on the award once again.
2) Jude Bellingham
Jude BellingHIM. 🫲🫱
The @England star has been nominated for The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024.
Voting is now open! Click below to vote! 🗳️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 2, 2024
Moving to his Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham had a stellar debut campaign for Los Blancos last season in which he fully established himself as one of the world’s best midfielders. Moving to the Santiago Bernabéu at the young age of 20 can be a daunting task for any footballer but Bellingham showed no such nerves as he went on to score on his debut for the club, a 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao. A deep lying, box-to-box midfielder for Borussia Dortmund, he transitioned seamlessly into a more advanced role under Carlo Ancelotti.
He played the majority of the season as a CAM for Real Madrid, which allowed him to contribute to 23 goals and 13 assists for Los Blancos. He even assisted Vinicius’ goal in the UEFA Champions League final that helped seal the win for the Madrid-based side, against his former club. A big game player, Bellingham was one of Real Madrid’s stars last season, finds himself ahead of his teammate in this list on account of having more goal contributions than him and because he achieved that while playing in new surroundings and in a newer position.
1) Rodri
Can we talk about Rodri? 🇪🇸🩵#TheBest
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 9, 2024
The current Ballon d’Or winner and Manchester City midfielder, Rodri walks into the ceremony in Doha as the favourite to take home the trophy once again. The Spain International is an extremely vital member of any squad he’s a part of, something that has been made even more evident, just by looking at Manchester City’s recent struggles without Rodri. He was exceptional in the 2023/24 season for the Cityzens once again.
Not only did he contribute with his defensive output, which he always does, he even had a lot of goal contributions to his name as City romped their way to another Premier League title. Rodri contributed to nine goals and 14 assists in all competitions for the club and even scored some crucial goals for Spain during their Euros campaign. He helped La Roja maintain a 100% win record on their way to the UEFA Euro 2024 while also being named the player of the tournament, which makes him the best placed to win the award.
FIFA is going to announce it’s ‘The Best’ awards tonight at the ceremony in Doha. With 11 men nominated for the Best FIFA Men’s Player award, let’s dive in to find who are the top contenders for the prize. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
