The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony, held on December 17 in Doha, Qatar, showcased some of the finest football talent from around the world, with players, coaches, and fans being celebrated for their contributions to the beautiful game. The prestigious awards, which honor excellence across various categories, were distributed in a glittering ceremony at the Aspire Academy, where superstars from the men's and women's games were recognized for their outstanding performances over the last year.
Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian forward for Real Madrid, was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player 2024. Vinicius has been in stellar form for both club and country, playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's successes and contributing significantly to Brazil's international campaigns. His skill, flair, and consistency on the pitch have made him one of the standout players in world football, earning him this recognition as the best player of the year.
On the women's side, Aitana Bonmatí, the Spanish midfielder from Barcelona, was named The Best FIFA Women’s Player 2024, marking her second consecutive victory in this category. Bonmatí's performances in both domestic and international competitions, including her central role in Spain's World Cup-winning team, have solidified her status as one of the best female footballers in the world. Her vision, passing, and leadership on the pitch have been key to Barcelona's dominance in Spain and her country's triumph on the global stage.
The Best FIFA Men’s Coach 2024 award was claimed by Carlo Ancelotti, the legendary Italian manager of Real Madrid. Ancelotti, who has enjoyed a remarkable career filled with domestic and international titles, continued to build on Real Madrid's legacy, leading them to key victories and guiding them to success with his trademark tactical flexibility and experience. Ancelotti's ability to manage high-profile players and navigate complex challenges makes him one of the most respected coaches in world football.
In the women's coaching category, Emma Hayes, the former Chelsea Women’s coach and current head coach of the US Women’s National Team, was named The Best FIFA Women’s Coach 2024. Hayes is renowned for her innovative tactics, leadership, and ability to develop top talent, which helped propel Chelsea to multiple domestic and international titles. Under her guidance, Chelsea became a dominant force in women’s football, and now as head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team, she is set to continue her legacy of success.
Emiliano Martínez, the Argentine goalkeeper who plays for Aston Villa, was awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper 2024 for his stellar performances both in the Premier League and for Argentina, including his heroics in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Martínez's shot-stopping abilities, leadership, and penalty-saving prowess have earned him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
On the women’s side, Alyssa Naeher, goalkeeper for the US Women’s National Team and Chicago Red Stars, won The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper award. Naeher’s consistency, shot-stopping skills, and leadership in goal have been key to the success of both the U.S. Women’s National Team and her club, earning her this well-deserved honor.
In the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award, which recognizes the best goal of the year, Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United was the recipient for his stunning overhead kick against Everton in the Premier League last season. Garnacho’s acrobatic effort captivated fans worldwide and earned him the coveted award for the most visually spectacular goal of 2024.
In another highlight of the evening, Brazilian football legend Marta was honored with the inaugural Marta Award for her brilliant goal against Jamaica in a friendly earlier this year. Marta, often hailed as one of the greatest female footballers of all time, has had an enduring impact on women's football globally, and this award recognizes her incredible skill, leadership, and contributions to the sport.
The FIFA Fair Play Award 2024 was presented to Thiago Maia for his selfless actions in helping those affected by the Rio Grande do Sul floods in Brazil. Maia’s humanitarian efforts off the pitch showcased the power of sport to inspire and bring about positive change in communities.
One of the most heartwarming stories of the night came from the FIFA Fan Award 2024, which was awarded to Guilherme Gandra Moura, a devoted fan of Vasco da Gama. Moura, who had been in an induced coma due to epidermolysis bullosa, a rare skin condition, got to meet his idol, Gabriel Pec, after waking up. The story of his recovery and his unwavering support for his team resonated with everyone in the football community.
In addition to these individual honors, the ceremony also recognized the FIFA Best Men's 11 and FIFA Best Women's 11, comprising the best players from across the globe. In the men’s category, Emiliano Martínez (Goalkeeper), Rúben Dias (Defender), Dani Carvajal (Defender), Antonio Rüdiger (Defender), William Saliba (Defender), Jude Bellingham (Midfielder), Rodri (Midfielder), Toni Kroos (Midfielder), and Erling Haaland (Forward) were among the standout performers. The forwards included Lamine Yamal and Vinícius Junior, who have both enjoyed breakout seasons with their respective clubs.
The women’s team included Alyssa Naeher in goal, Irene Paredes and Naomi Girma in defense, Aitana Bonmatí and Lindsey Horan in midfield, and Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo in attack. The inclusion of players from Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais highlights the dominance of these clubs in women’s football.
The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 served as a celebration of football excellence, recognizing the achievements of both male and female players, coaches, and fans. With an inspiring list of winners and touching moments throughout the ceremony, the event reinforced the power of the sport in bringing people together from all corners of the world.
