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Real Madrid Vinicius Junior has been named FIFA Men’s Player of the Year at a ceremony in Doha on Tuesday, while Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s prize for the second time. The accolade comes just two months after the 24-year-old Brazilian finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Real Madrid had decided to skip the ceremony after learning that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was poised to win the prestigious award.
This time, however, Vinicius was present to accept the honor in person, as he is currently in Qatar with his club ahead of their Intercontinental Cup final against Mexico’s Pachuca on Wednesday.
“Thank you so much. I don’t even know where to start. It seemed impossible to reach this point. I grew up in a world of poverty and organized crime. This is for all the children who grow up in that environment,” Vinicius said emotionally during his acceptance speech.
He also expressed his gratitude to those who supported his journey: “I thank everyone who voted for me, to those who helped make my dream come true. I hope to stay at Madrid for many years because it is the best club in the world. To Flamengo, my first club in Brazil. To my teammates in the national team. And to my country, which has always supported me in my work.”
