Messi, Vini Jr and Aitana Bonmatí shake up The Best FIFA Football Award 2024 debates
FIFA have announced their shortlists for the impending FIFA Awards, formerly The Best. The event to honor the cream of the world's soccer players listed 11 male finalists along with some stars in women's category. But this year it has already generated controversies about the selection criteria and fair way of giving recognition to the cream of soccer. The Favorites to win the men's Award
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Among the male nominees, though, are Lionel Messi, Vinícius Jr., and Rodri, among others. Messi himself, so accustomed to bright lights, enters this race under a cloud of controversy, for debates over his previous win at The Best despite his modest run with Inter Miami haven't died down. Everyone's eyes are on an electrifying Vinícius Jr. throughout the season in Europe.
Vini Jr. was instrumental in Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League triumph, scoring in the final. He added the LaLiga and Spanish Super Cup trophies to his cabinet, shining brightly in the Super Cup final with a stunning three-goal performance against Barcelona. Named Champions League Player of the Tournament and a key figure in the league's Team of the Season, the forward also won LaLiga Player of the Month in March 2024. With all those accolades, the expectations are sky-high for Vini Jr. in this year's race.
Brilliance of the women's game and Barcelona's dominance
On the women's side, Spanish dominance is certain. Aitana Bonmatí is the real standout, having a perfect season of skill, consistency, and an impressive pile of silverware.
And it was a certainty that she would deliver on all counts. Aitana let Barcelona win the Champions League, where she was also the star of the final, and bagged many awards: the Player of the Season award, an indication in the tournament's best XI, and then in the UEFA Nations League. If everything goes just right for her, she will repeat her teammate Alexia Putellas' double title win- another giant with the Catalan club.
Caroline Graham Hansen is teammate and rival
Graham Hansen has been similarly sensational as a Barcelona teammate. An absolute nightmare for defenders, she compiled goals, assists and individual accolades. Top scorer and leading assist maker in Liga F, the best player of the Spanish Super Cup final.
Evaluation criteria and Messi’s controversial spot
The FIFA Awards continue to evaluate players’ performances during the European season, spanning June 2023 to May 2024. While this logical timeframe aligns with the sport’s calendar, it doesn’t shield the awards from criticism.
Messi’s nomination is a prime example. While his move to Inter Miami boosted MLS visibility, many question whether his performances warrant a spot among finalists, given the stellar seasons of other contenders.
La Liga’s undeniable dominance
One undisputed fact is the dominance of La Liga in both men's and women's categories. Real Madrid and Barcelona have a stranglehold on the nominations. On the men's side, Real Madrid has Vini Jr., Bellingham, and Kroos. In the women's category, Barcelona monopolizes the spotlight with Aitana, Graham Hansen, and other luminaries.
The 2024 FIFA Awards promise to be not only a celebration of soccer's finest but also a stage for hot debates on merit, criteria, and the changing standards of excellence in the game.