Article body analysed

Vinicius Jr won the Fifa Best award for the first time Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been named the men's player of the year at the Fifa Best Awards. The 24-year-old and his club boycotted the recent Ballon d'Or ceremony after missing out to Manchester City's Rodri - but he picked up this prize in Doha. Vinicius played a key role in Real's Champions League and La Liga-winning campaign in 2023-24, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists. Earlier in the ceremony, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the women's player of the year for the second year in a row. This was the first time Vinicius has won the award and capped a happier finish to the season than October's Ballon d'Or boycott. The Ballon d'Or and Fifa Best Awards are the two most prestigious in football. This was Vinicius' first Fifa prize, with Lionel Messi winning the previous two awards and Robert Lewandowski the two before that. The award - for football from August 2023 to August 2024 - was decided by a mix of public vote, one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team. Each group's vote counted for 25%. Real Madrid were already in Qatar for Wednesday's Fifa Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca at Lusail Stadium. There were five Premier League players in the men's team of the year, to go with five from Real Madrid (including the retired Toni Kroos) and one from Barcelona. The players selected were Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Ruben Dias (Manchester City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Jude Bellingham, Kroos (all Real Madrid), Rodri, Erling Haaland (both Man City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid). Martinez was named goalkeeper of the year after helping Argentina win the Copa America. Alejandro Garnacho's acrobatic strike against Everton was previously named the Premier League's goal of the season The Puskas Award for the best men's goal of the year was won by Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for his sensational bicycle kick in their 3-0 win at Everton in November 2023. Mohammed Kudus' fine solo goal for West Ham in the Europa League against Freiburg was also nominated. Until this season the award covered all football but a new Marta Award now covers the women's game. "I'm very proud to win this award, " said Argentine Garnacho in a pre-recorded interview. "It's a proud moment for me and my family. It was a special goal and I will always remember it. " The coach of the year was Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti, who led the Spanish giants to the Champions League and La Liga titles last season. The 65-year-old Italian won the award, which has been running since 2016, for the first time. Most of the previous winners have been Premier League bosses - Claudio Ranieri, Jurgen Klopp (twice), Thomas Tuchel and last year Pep Guardiola. Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast Get football news sent straight to your phone Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Women's Champions League: Real Madrid close to doubling lead over Chelsea Chelsea's Mudryk 'in shock' at failed drugs test Vinicius Jr named Fifa Best men's player of the year Agatha Christie's iconic detective reimagined A murder, a theft and a mystery where nothing is quite what it seems Your first look at The Split: Barcelona Can Hannah open herself up to the possibility of love again? Watch from 29 December on BBC i Player Elis and John's joyful Christmas special Elis and James are back for their traditional Christmas special, with festive treats and some very special guests How Wham! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon. Video How Wham! turned one song into a cultural phenomenon In celebration of its 40th anniversary, discover the story of how 'Last Christmas' was born How misfit Cavendish changed the face of cycling Bumrah & Deep deliver potentially match-saving partnership. Video Bumrah & Deep deliver potentially match-saving partnership PGA Tour v LIV - why 'The Showdown' is significant How to become a football agent Who are England and Wales' Euro 2025 opponents? Does sacking a manager help you avoid relegation? Everything you need to know about Euro 2025 'Switch flicked' but Rangers still left with regrets Tears, tantrums & testing times - how boxers deal with a first defeat Diallo's derby - how Amad made the difference for Man Utd Usyk v Fury 2 - all you need to know 'The award goes to. .. ' - England Test team's year in gongs Voyce - a wing who took flight with Wasps 'As South Africans we have to be better' - Champions Cup review The best pictures from the 2024 F1 season Six countries, two hemispheres - how will 2030 World Cup work? Why Raducanu is giving herself a 'pat on the back' for 2024 Hamilton to Ferrari and what else to look out for in 2025 © 2024 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.