Vinícius Júnior finally received a major worldwide player award on Tuesday when he was named the men's player of the year at FIFA's "The Best" award. This came after he and his team Real Madrid boycotted the entire ceremony in Paris in protest after losing the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in October. Aitana Bonmati, a key player for Barcelona, kept winning the women's football awards. Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United won the Puskas Award, also for his incredible overhead goal against Everton in the Premier League.

In contrast to the Ballon d'Or, Rodri finished second by five points, behind the Real Madrid star, which had the opposite outcome. Vinicius, who had come to Doha with his club for the Intercontinental Cup final versus Pachuca, was also there to receive the award during the ceremony. After Carlo Ancelotti won the best men's coach award, Madrid also took home another award. Last season, he led the Spanish powerhouses to La Liga and Champions League championships.

Full list of 2024 FIFA Awards "The Best" winners

Best Men’s Player: Vinicius Jr

Best Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmati

Best Men’s Coach: Carlo Ancelotti

Best Women’s Coach: Emma Hayes

Best Men’s Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez

Best Women’s Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher

Puskas Award: Alejandro Garnacho

Marta Award: Marta

FIFA Fair Play Award: Thiago Maia

FIFA Fan Award: Guilherme Gandra Moura

The ceremony underscored football’s ability to unite and inspire, with heartfelt speeches and tributes highlighting the sport's enduring global impact. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the honorees, saying, "Tonight, we celebrate excellence, passion, and the shared joy that football brings to billions worldwide."