On December 17, 2024, FIFA hosted The Best FIFA Football Awards in Qatar, celebrating outstanding achievements in football. Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior, representing Real Madrid, was named Men’s Player of the Year, while Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmatí earned the Women’s Player of the Year award, adding to her accolades after winning the Ballon d’Or for two consecutive years. Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was honored as the Men’s Coach of the Year, and Emma Hayes, who has managed Chelsea and the USWNT, received the Women’s Coach of the Year award. Aston Villa and Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez was named Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year, with Alyssa Naeher of the Chicago Red Stars and the USWNT securing the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year title. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal in men’s football, notably for his goal against Everton, while Brazilian legend Marta received the inaugural FIFA Marta Award for the best goal in women’s football for her strike against Jamaica. Thiago Maia was honored with the FIFA Fair Play Award for his selflessness during the 2024 Rio Grande do Sul floods, where he was seen helping an elderly woman evacuate. The Men’s World XI included Emiliano Martínez in goal, defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Rúben Dias, and William Saliba, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos, and Rodri, and forwards Lamine Yamal, Erling Haaland, and Vinícius Júnior. The Women’s World XI featured Alyssa Naeher in goal, defenders Lucy Bronze, Irene Paredes, Naomi Girma, and Gabby George, midfielders Aitana Bonmatí, Lindsey Horan, Patri Guijarro, and Kerolin, and forwards Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen.
