In the latest edition of The FIFA The Best Award, it was confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo did not participate as Portugal’s captain in the voting process.
The FIFA The Best Award as Player of the Year 2024, created following the split between France Football and the Ballon d’Or, recognize the best footballer of the year, with FIFA’s involvement ensuring a prestigious global award.
Portugal’s representative in voting
The voting system includes captains of national teams from around the world, but for this edition, Portugal’s vote did not come from Cristiano Ronaldo, current Al Nassr player.
Bernardo Silva voted:
— 🥇 Rodri
— 🥈 Vinicius
— 🥉 Haaland https://t.co/Q3hQqYfI4l pic.twitter.com/mVx22sxijt— Al Nassr Zone (@TheNassrZone) December 17, 2024
Instead, the responsibility fell to Bernardo Silva, who currently shares a leadership role within the national team. Silva’s choices reflected a different perspective, with his podium featuring:
- Rodri (Manchester City)
- Vinícius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Vinícius Junior: The winner
Despite not receiving Portugal’s top vote, Vinícius Junior emerged as the winner of The FIFA The Best Award
The Real Madrid forward has had a phenomenal year, making him a favorite not only for fans but also for prominent figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, who has often praised Vinícius for his performances.
Ronaldo’s absence
The decision to have Bernardo Silva vote instead of Ronaldo was notable, as many expected the Portuguese legend to play a role in this iconic event.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a symbol of Portuguese football, remains a key figure in the sport, but this shift highlights Portugal’s evolving leadership structure.
While Ronaldo’s absence raised questions, the outcome remains clear: Vinícius Junior, one of the standout players of the season, claimed the top honor, solidifying his status as one of the best footballers in the world.
