AFCON 2025
Vinicius Jr became the first Brazilian to win the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year award to wrap up a brilliant individual year.
The Real Madrid and Brazil forward beat rivals Rodri and Jude Bellingham to the prestigious award on Tuesday night.
Vinicius Jr lost the Ballon D’or equivalent to Spanish midfieder Rodri in October which divided opinions among football fans.
However, the scores have been settled with two of the most outstanding players winning both awards respectively.
Both players had impressive performances in the season/year under review which put them in the final list of nominees.
This post argues why Vinicius Jr not Rodri deserves to win the FIFA Best Player of the Year accolade.
1. Club Success
Vinicius Jr was unarguably the best player in the Champions League last season. The 24-year-old winger was instrumental as Los Blancos won their 15th title.
The foward scored in the final as Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley.
Vinicius Jr scored 6 goals and provided 5 assists in 10 matches en route to Real Madrid’s triumph.
While Jude Bellingham won La Liga’s best player last season, Vinicius Jr had a brilliant run in the league as well with 15 goals, 5 assists in 26 matches as Real Madrid won their 35th league title.
2. Individual Accolade
Vinicius Jr incredible run in the Champions League earned him the tournament’s best player award.
He made it to the competition’s team of the season for the third consecutive season as one of the best attackers.
The wide forward has 11 goal contributions in 10 matches for the reigning champions as they bagged their 15th Champions League success.
He was also named in the La Liga team of the season as he played a significant role en route to Real Madrid’s 35th title.
3. Big game player
Big players show up in big games and Vinicius Jr has mastered the act.
Vinicius Jr bagged a hat trick as Real Madrid beat Barcelona 4-1 to lift the Supercopa De Espana troohy.
He also socred in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley which sealed the victory for Real Madrid.
