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Brazil's Long Wait for a FIFA Best Winner Ends
For the first time in 17 years, Brazil has a winner of the FIFA Best Men's Player award, with Vinícius Júnior claiming the title. The last Brazilian to win was Kaká in 2007, marking a significant gap in the nation's recognition for individual excellence in football.
The Brazilian winners of the FIFA Best award include notable names: Romário in 1994, Ronaldo in 1996 and 1997, Rivaldo in 1999, and Ronaldinho Gaúcho in 2004 and 2005. Ronaldo holds the record for the most wins with three, and now Vinícius Júnior has joined the ranks, having won in 2024. This achievement reignites discussions surrounding Brazil's drought in individual accolades on the global football stage.