In football, Brazil and Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr. has been crowned the Men’s Player of the Year at the FIFA Best Awards, held in Doha.
Argentine legend Lionel Messi claimed the award for the previous two years. Earlier this year, Vinicius lost the prestigious Ballon d’Or to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodrigo Hernández Cascante.
In the women’s category, Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named Women’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.
The 24-year-old Vinicius was so disappointed to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d’Or in October that he and his Madrid team snubbed the ceremony in Paris in protest.
This time, Rodri ended up second to Vinicius by five points. The Brazil forward was at the FIFA ceremony to collect his award, having travelled to Doha on Monday with Madrid for the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca.