Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati have taken major honors in Fifa’s ‘The Best’ awards ceremony. A 24-year-old Brazilian attacker had taken Real to glory in both La Liga and Champions League triumph last season by beating a host of rivals such as the recent Ballon d’Or winner Rodri.
Bonmati, 26, won the Women’s Player of the Year for the second year in a row. The Spanish midfielder played an important role in Barcelona winning the domestic treble this season and defending their Champions League title. She also starred as Spain won the Nations League in February.
Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid took home the Coach of the Year award for his tactical brilliance as he led the Spanish giants to their latest triumphs, while Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the Puskás Award for a stunning bicycle kick against Everton and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez was named Goalkeeper of the Year for the second time in three years.
Real Madrid dominated the Team of the Year with five players, followed by Manchester City’s three, as both clubs have been the epitome of consistency on the world stage.
The awards brought into memory a great year for club and country as football’s finest talents were celebrated.