News

While Lionel Messi finished sixth, Kylian Mbappé’s position in The Best awards

The French star finished below Messi, despite a strong performance in the rankings.

By Ramiro Diaz

Messi and Mbappé
Messi and Mbappé

The football world has witnessed a changing of the guard. Vinicius Jr., Real Madrid's Brazilian star, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious FIFA The Best Men's Player award, a recognition of his exceptional talent and a dazzling season. This triumph takes on even greater significance when contrasted with the positions of two giants of modern football: Lionel Messi, the record winner of this accolade, who surprisingly finished in sixth place, and Kylian Mbappé, who was even further down the list in ninth. Vinicius's victory not only celebrates a brilliant present but also marks a potential turning point in the global football landscape.

Vinicius's Meteoric Rise: From Prospect to Global Superstar

Vinicius Jr.'s journey to the top has been a testament to perseverance, raw talent, and constant improvement. Since arriving at Real Madrid as a young prospect, the Brazilian has worked tirelessly to hone his game, overcoming criticism and proving his worth in every match. His electrifying pace, dribbling wizardry, and ever-improving goalscoring ability have made him a game-changing player and fundamental to Real Madrid's success.

This season, Vinicius has made a qualitative leap that has propelled him to global superstardom. His decisive performances in La Liga, the Champions League, and other competitions have left an indelible mark, establishing him as one of the best footballers on the planet. The Best award is confirmation of this meteoric rise and recognition of his impact on the modern game.

A Striking Contrast: Messi and Mbappé Outshone by Vinicius's Brilliance

Vinicius's victory gains even more significance when analysing the positions of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé in The Best voting. Messi, the undisputed king of this award with multiple wins to his name, finished in an unusual sixth place. Mbappé, considered by many as the heir to the football throne, was even further down in ninth.

This contrast generates an interesting debate about the present and future of football. While Messi and Mbappé remain exceptional players, Vinicius's season has surpassed expectations, even overshadowing these two superstars. This result could be interpreted as an indication of a generational shift, with Vinicius emerging as a dominant figure in the football landscape.

Vinicius's Impact on the Game: Beyond Goals and Assists

Vinicius Jr.'s impact on the game goes beyond mere statistics. His presence on the pitch creates constant disruption for opposing defences. His pace, one-on-one ability, and capacity to create goalscoring opportunities make him an unpredictable and decisive player.

Moreover, Vinicius has demonstrated great maturity in his game, improving his decision-making and finishing in front of goal. He has become a more complete and effective player, capable of making the difference at any moment in a match. His influence on Real Madrid's play is undeniable, and his leadership on the pitch makes him a role model for his teammates.

The Best: An Award That Marks a Watershed Moment

The Best award not only recognises Vinicius Jr.'s exceptional season but also marks a watershed moment in his career. This accolade cements his status as a global star and places him in the elite of football, alongside the best players on the planet.

This recognition is an impetus to continue growing and achieving new heights. Vinicius has the potential to become a football legend, and The Best award is an important step on that path.

A Changing of the Guard in Football?: An Exciting Future Beckons

Vinicius Jr.'s victory in The Best and Messi and Mbappé's positions raise an interesting question: are we witnessing a changing of the guard in football? While it's too early to say for certain, this result suggests that new figures are emerging strongly, ready to take over from the great legends.

The future of football looks exciting, with young talents like Vinicius leading a new generation of players who promise to revolutionise the sport. The competition will be fierce, and the spectacle is guaranteed.


Ramiro  Diaz

Ramiro Diaz

I am a sports journalist with a degree from the Institute of Communication Studies (ISEC), where I graduated in 2019. I later earned a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences from the Argentine University of Enterprise (UADE) in 2022, equipping me with a strong academic foundation. My professional career has been driven by my lifelong passion for sports, particularly football.Since mid-2022, I have been part of Alivia Media, where I gained my first experience as a digital writer. This role h...

More news