Ballon d’Or: Only FIFA holds bragging rights — Infantino

Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub a few months ago, ignited some narratives that La Liga side Real Madrid took rather too far, and now FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reignited the debate over football’s top individual honors.

The FIFA president in a recent statement suggested that only FIFA has the legitimacy to crown the best player in the world.

Speaking at the 2024 FIFA The Best Awards in Doha, Qatar, Infantino took what many perceive as a swipe at the Ballon d’Or, calling FIFA’s award system “transparent, objective, and all-inclusive.”

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“If you want to know the best in the world, it should be by FIFA,” Infantino declared. “Because everyone votes—it’s transparent, it’s objective, it’s all-inclusive.”

His remarks come hot on the heels of controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or, where Manchester City’s Rodri surprisingly edged out Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior for the coveted prize. Just days later, FIFA crowned Vinicius as The Best Men’s Player of the Year, leaving fans divided over which accolade holds more weight.

Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which relies on votes from journalists, FIFA’s The Best Awards incorporate a broader voting base that includes fans, national team captains, coaches, and select media representatives—something Infantino hailed as a fairer and more democratic process.

The subtle dig highlights the ongoing rivalry between the two prestigious awards, raising questions about how global football should determine its ultimate stars. For now, Vinicius Jr. can celebrate being FIFA’s top pick, while the debate over which title truly defines greatness rages on.