Rodri and Vinícius Jr. Headline FIFA Best Awards Shortlist, But Is Women’s Football Being Overlooked?
It’s that time of year again when the world’s best footballers are recognized for their brilliance on the pitch. The FIFA Best awards are just around the corner, and the competition is heating up. On Thursday, the shortlist for the 2024 FIFA Best men’s and women’s player awards was announced, and it’s already sparking debates and reactions across the footballing world.
For the men’s award, it looks like we could be in for another showdown between Rodri and Vinícius Júnior. Both players have had phenomenal seasons, and their inclusion on the shortlist comes as no surprise. Meanwhile, on the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona leads the pack, and she’s looking to add yet another accolade to her already impressive résumé.
But while the nominees are being celebrated, there’s a growing conversation about how women’s football is treated at these prestigious awards. Is the women’s game getting the respect it deserves? Let’s dive into the details and the drama surrounding this year’s FIFA Best awards.
The Men’s Shortlist: Rodri vs. Vinícius Jr.?
Rodri, the midfield maestro for Manchester City, is coming off an incredible year. He played a pivotal role in helping City secure a record fourth consecutive Premier League title and was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, where he was named the tournament’s best player. Adding the FIFA Best award to his collection would be the cherry on top of an already stellar season.
On the other hand, Vinícius Júnior has been nothing short of electric for Real Madrid. The Brazilian forward racked up 24 goals and 11 assists across all competitions last season, including a crucial goal in Madrid’s Champions League final victory over Borussia Dortmund. His dazzling performances make him a strong contender for the top prize.
Interestingly, Vinícius and Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October after learning that Rodri would take home the award. Could this rivalry spill over into the FIFA Best awards? Only time will tell.
Other Big Names in the Mix
The men’s shortlist is stacked with talent. Here are some of the other notable nominees:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City): The Norwegian goal machine continues to dominate defenses.
- Lionel Messi (Inter Miami): The 37-year-old legend led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2024.
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid): The French superstar continues to shine on the biggest stages.
- Toni Kroos (Real Madrid): The recently retired German midfielder is still being recognized for his brilliance.
Notably absent from the men’s shortlist is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portugal captain, who recently surpassed 900 career goals, is instead nominated for the best attacker award after scoring a Saudi Pro League record 35 goals for Al Nassr.
The Women’s Shortlist: Bonmatí Leads the Way
On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí is the clear favorite. The Barcelona star has already won the Ballon d’Or Féminin and is looking to claim her second consecutive FIFA Best award. She’s joined on the shortlist by her teammate Caroline Graham Hansen, who has also had a fantastic year.
Five players from the NWSL have been nominated, including Barbra Banda. The Zambia forward recently led the Orlando Pride to the league title, capping off an incredible season.
What’s Next?
Votes for the FIFA Best awards will be weighed equally between fans, current national team captains, and media representatives. However, a date for the awards show has yet to be announced. As the footballing world waits in anticipation, one thing is clear: the competition is fierce, and the debates are only just beginning.
But amidst all the excitement, there’s a lingering question: is women’s football being given the respect it deserves at these awards? With players like Bonmatí and Banda delivering world-class performances, it’s time for the spotlight to shine equally on the women’s game.
Originally Written by: Emily Keogh
