Vinicius Jr Crowned FIFA World Player of the Year 2024 Amid Controversy Over Kylian Mbappé’s Votes

In a glittering ceremony in Doha, Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid was officially named FIFA’s Best Player of 2024, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. However, the spotlight wasn’t solely on his achievement, as discussions surrounding Kylian Mbappé’s unexpected position and voting details added a layer of intrigue to the event.

Real Madrid, fresh off a string of victories in 2024, including the Champions League and La Liga, dominated the ceremony. Vinicius Jr’s triumph was complemented by Carlo Ancelotti receiving the Best Coach accolade. The Brazilian’s victory served as a redemption arc after narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or, which went to Rodri.

According to FIFA’s official scoring, Vinicius Jr garnered 48 points, edging out Rodri, who had 43. His teammate Jude Bellingham secured third place with 37 points, showcasing Real Madrid’s dominance. Surprisingly, Kylian Mbappé, often touted as one of the best players of his generation, ranked ninth with only 14 points. This positioning, behind Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, has sparked debates among fans and pundits alike.

Mbappé’s low score wasn’t the only shock. A detailed breakdown of the voting revealed that the French captain’s votes were entirely absent. As the captain of France’s national team, Mbappé’s choices should have been recorded, but FIFA’s documents showed no indication of his participation. This omission raises questions, as he remains France’s official captain despite missing a few matches during international breaks.

Intriguingly, Mbappé found favor among notable figures. Lionel Messi, his former PSG teammate, ranked him second, placing Lamine Yamal first and Vinicius Jr third. Similarly, Italy’s captain Gianluigi Donnarumma positioned Mbappé second behind Messi. Chancel Mbemba of Olympique de Marseille even ranked the French star as his top choice.

On the home front, Didier Deschamps, France’s coach, placed Mbappé second, preferring Vinicius Jr as his top pick and Rodri as third. However, the journalist representing France omitted Mbappé entirely, opting for a trio of Vinicius Jr, Rodri, and Bellingham.

The absence of Mbappé’s vote has fueled speculation, with many questioning whether it was an oversight or a deliberate decision. Furthermore, the positions of his French compatriots suggest a divided opinion about the Bondy native’s standing in the global football hierarchy.

Despite the controversy, Vinicius Jr’s victory has been widely celebrated. The Brazilian forward has enjoyed an exceptional year, becoming a pivotal figure for Real Madrid and delivering standout performances in key matches. His influence on the pitch and his ability to rise to the occasion in critical moments solidified his place as the world’s best player.

Meanwhile, the debate around Mbappé underscores the complexities of football politics and the weight of individual accolades. For a player of his caliber to be ranked ninth is unprecedented and hints at underlying narratives beyond his performances.

Mbappé’s absence in the votes also brings to light broader questions about FIFA’s voting process. The lack of transparency and the irregularities in certain voting patterns have long been criticized, and this incident adds to the growing calls for reform.

For Real Madrid, the night in Doha was one of celebration and validation. Vinicius Jr’s crowning moment symbolizes the club’s resurgence and its ability to produce world-class talent consistently. Carlo Ancelotti’s recognition as the best coach further cements his legacy as one of the greatest managers in the club’s history.

As the football world digests the results, the spotlight remains on Mbappé. Will this snub serve as motivation for the Frenchman to elevate his game even further, or will it deepen the narrative of his perceived underachievement in 2024?

For now, the accolades belong to Vinicius Jr, who has proven that hard work, resilience, and extraordinary talent can lead to the pinnacle of football. His victory is a testament to his journey and the heights he continues to scale with Real Madrid.

As the dust settles on FIFA’s The Best Awards, one thing is certain: the debates and discussions around this year’s results will persist, keeping fans and analysts engaged until the next chapter unfolds.