Surreal: Vinicius is left out of the list of 12 finalists for Fifa “The Best” award

by Mario Labarga September 14, 2023, 4:14 pm 2k Views

The recent announcement of the 12 nominees for the prestigious FIFA “The Best” award has sparked controversy and surprise among football enthusiasts worldwide. Notably absent from the list are Vinicius and any players from Real Madrid, a decision that has raised eyebrows and left many questioning the criteria used by FIFA in their selection process. In this article, we delve into the snubbing of Vinicius and Real Madrid, examining their remarkable achievements and contributions during the past season.

Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi have rightfully earned their places as frontrunners for “The Best” award, but it is undeniably perplexing that Vinicius, one of the standout performers for Real Madrid, has been overlooked. The Brazilian forward played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them reach the semi-finals of the Champions League, secure second place in La Liga, and clinch the Copa del Rey. These accomplishments alone should have warranted his inclusion among the finalists.

Vinicius’ statistics speak volumes about his impact on the field. With an impressive tally of 23 goals and 21 assists in 55 matches, he emerged as one of the most influential players of the previous campaign. His performances were not solely defined by numbers; his style of play showcased his exceptional skills and versatility. The young Brazilian international consistently demonstrated his ability to make a difference in crucial moments, contributing significantly to Real Madrid’s overall success.

The exclusion of Real Madrid as a club from the list of nominees is equally baffling. Despite facing fierce competition, they managed to secure a place among the top four teams in Europe, a feat that should have garnered recognition. Under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, the team displayed remarkable consistency and resilience, proving their worth on various fronts.

Critics argue that FIFA’s selection process may have prioritized individual achievements over team success. While Haaland, Mbappé, and Messi undoubtedly had exceptional seasons, it is important to acknowledge the collective efforts of players like Vinicius and the impact they had on their respective teams.

The snubbing of Vinicius and Real Madrid raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process. FIFA should provide more clarity regarding the criteria used to determine the nominees for “The Best” award. This would help alleviate concerns and ensure that deserving players and teams receive the recognition they deserve.

The omission of Vinicius and Real Madrid from the list of nominees for the FIFA “The Best” award has left many perplexed. Their impressive achievements and contributions during the previous season should have warranted their inclusion among the finalists. It is crucial for FIFA to address the concerns raised by this decision and provide greater transparency in their selection process. Only then can we ensure that the most deserving players and teams are rightfully acknowledged.

The Best FIFA Women’s Player Nominees

AitanaBonmatí (Spain / FC Barcelona); Linda Caicedo (Colombia / Real Madrid CF); Rachel Daly (England / Aston Villa Ladies FC); Kadidiatou Diani (France / Olympique Lyonnais / Paris Saint-Germain prior to Aug 2023); Caitlin Foord (Australia / Arsenal WFC); Mary Fowler (Australia / Manchester City WFC); Alex Greenwood (England / Manchester City WFC); Jennifer Hermoso (Spain / CF Pachuca Femenil); Lindsey Horan (USA / Olympique Lyonnais); Amanda Ilestedt (Sweden / Arsenal WFC / Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) prior to June 2023); Lauren James (England / Chelsea FC); Sam Kerr (Australia / Chelsea FC); Mapi León (Spain / FC Barcelona); Hinata Miyazawa (Japan / Mynavi Sendai); Salma Paralluelo (Spain / FC Barcelona); Keira Walsh (England / FC Barcelona).

The Best FIFA Men’s Player Nominees

Julián Álvarez (Argentina / Manchester City FC); Marcelo Brozović (Croatia / FC Internazionale Milano /Al Nassr FC); Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium / Manchester City FC); İlkay Gündoğan (Germany / Manchester City FC /FC Barcelona); Erling Haaland (Norway / Manchester City FC); Rodrigo (Rodri) Hernández Cascante (Spain / Manchester City FC); Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Georgia / SSC Napoli); Kylian Mbappé (France / Paris Saint-Germain); Lionel Messi (Argentina / Paris Saint-Germain /Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami); Victor Osimhen (Nigeria / SSC Napoli); Declan Rice (England / West Ham United FC /Arsenal FC); Bernardo Silva (Portugal / Manchester City FC).

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach Nominees

Peter Gerhardsson (Sweden): Jonatan Giráldez (Spain / FC Barcelona); Tony Gustavsson (Sweden / Australia); Emma Hayes (England / Chelsea FC); Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands / England).

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach Nominees

Pep Guardiola (Spain / Manchester City FC); Simone Inzaghi (Italy/ FC Internazionale Milano); Ange Postecoglou (Australia / Celtic FC /Tottenham Hotspur); Luciano Spalletti (Italy /SSC Napoli); Xavi (Spain / FC Barcelona).

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper Nominees

Mackenzie Arnold (Australia / West Ham United FC); Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany / Chelsea FC); Catalina Coll (Spain / FC Barcelona); Mary Earps (England / Manchester United); Christiane Endler (Chile / Olympique Lyonnais); Zećira Mušović (Sweden / Chelsea FC); Sandra Paños García-Villamil (Spain / FC Barcelona).

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper Nominees

Yassine Bounou (Morocco / Sevilla FC); Thibaut Courtois (Belgium / Real Madrid CF); Ederson (Brazil / Manchester City FC); André Onana (Cameroon / FC Internazionale Milano /Manchester United FC); Marc-André ter Stegen (Germany / FC Barcelona).