This time, no boycotts or tears. Because The Best crowned Real Madrid's Vinícius as the best soccer player of the year. Unlike what happened with the Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian triumphed in the award sponsored by FIFA. In the women's category, Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí emerged victorious, having already reigned in the France Football and UEFA awards.
“It seemed impossible to get here when I was young. Seeing poverty and crime as a child and being able to get here is very important to me. I want to thank everyone. I want to continue playing for a long time at Real Madrid, in addition to thanking Flamengo, where I started,” declared the Brazilian on stage at the gala, which took place in Doha, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Unlike in the Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid did not boycott the gala
Carlo Ancelotti, in Doha
Aitana Bonmatí could not be present, as she is facing a decisive Champions League match against City this Wednesday, she received the award live in Barcelona. “As you know, tomorrow we have a big game against City. This is a team effort, last season we achieved everything with Barça. It was a very difficult year to repeat,” said the Catalan.
Aitana Bonmatí
If Bonmatí has swept the top awards, so has Italian Carlo Ancelotti in terms of male category coach. “I want to share this with the club, with my president, and with my players, those of the best club in the world. They don't always listen to me, that's a myth, but thank you very much,” he confessed jokingly. “I started playing football 48 years ago and it has given me a lot. Many positive emotions, some negative, but thanks to this sport I am still alive,” he concluded. The trophy was presented to him by a coaching legend like Arsène Wenger.
The ideal lineups for both men and women were also revealed. Lamine Yamal is included in the men's lineup. The full lineup is as follows: Dibu Martínez (Aston Villa), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid), Rúben Dias (City), Saliba (Arsenal), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Rodri (Manchester City), Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), and Vinicius (Real Madrid).
In women there is a predominance of Barça. The lineup is as follows: Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars), Irene Paredes (Barcelona), Ona Batlle (Barcelona), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona/Chelsea), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Aitana Bonmati (Barcelona), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Gabi Portilho (Corinthians), Patri Guijarro (Barcelona), Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona), Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)
