عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Sports

Vinícius Júnior and Aitana Bonmati Win FIFA Best Player of the Year Awards

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior poses for pictures with his Best Player trophy during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony in Doha on December 17, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior poses for pictures with his Best Player trophy during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony in Doha on December 17, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
TT
TT

Vinícius Júnior and Aitana Bonmati Win FIFA Best Player of the Year Awards

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior poses for pictures with his Best Player trophy during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony in Doha on December 17, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)
Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior poses for pictures with his Best Player trophy during the Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 ceremony in Doha on December 17, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior finally got his hands on a big global player award on Tuesday.
Vinícius was named the men’s player of the year at the FIFA’s “The Best” awards, where Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmati continued to clean up in the prizes for women’s soccer.
The 24-year-old Vinícius was so disappointed to lose out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the Ballon d’Or in October that he and his Madrid team snubbed the ceremony in Paris in protest.
This time Rodri ended up second to Vinícius by five points. The Brazil forward was at the FIFA ceremony to collect his award having travelled to Doha on Monday with Madrid for the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca.
“I don’t even know where to begin," Vinícius said in Portuguese. "It was so far away that it seemed impossible to get here. I was a kid who only played football barefoot on the streets of São Gonçalo, close to poverty and crime.
"Getting here is something very important to me. I’m doing it for many children who think that everything is impossible and who think they can’t get here.”
Vinícius echoed those sentiments in an Instagram post, where he took a thinly-disguised dig at presumably the Ballon d’Or voters — journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.
“Today I am writing to that boy who saw so many idols lift this trophy... your time has come,” he wrote. "Or rather, my time has come. The time to say ... yes, I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it.
“They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not prepared. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.”
Vinícius has been subjected to racist abuse in Spain and at one point earlier this year said he was “losing my desire to play” but added “I’ll keep fighting,” The Associated Press reported.
Bonmati won the award for best women’s player of the year making it back-to-back prizes at FIFA's version of the older and more prestigious Ballon d’Or prize.
The 26-year-old Spain midfielder has won the Ballon d’Or for two straight years, and won the Spanish league, Spanish cup and Champions League with Barcelona in 2024.
“I am grateful to receive this award. As I always say, this is a team effort," Bonmati said. "It was a great year, very difficult to repeat. I am grateful to the people who help me to be better every day, from the club, to my teammates, who always help me to be better.”
FIFA said the award winners were decided by an “equally weighted voting system" by fans, the current captains and coaches of all national teams, and media representatives.
There was an 11-player shortlist for both awards, with the contenders selected based on their performances from Aug. 21, 2023, to Aug. 10. 2024.
Vinícius had the best season of his career, scoring 24 goals in 39 appearances for Madrid and helping the Spanish team to a record-extending 15th European Cup — and his second Champions League trophy.
He also netted in the final, becoming the youngest player to score in two Champions League finals.
Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham was third, ahead of Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal, with Lionel Messi — who had won the award the previous two years — sixth.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was named best men’s coach, and United States coach Emma Hayes took the women’s prize.
Hayes steered the USWNT to Olympic gold in Paris in August. Their shotstopper, Alyssa Naeher, was given the women’s goalkeeper award. Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez won the men’s prize for the second straight year.
Alejandro Garnacho won the FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal, for his sensational overhead strike for Manchester United against Everton in November 2023.
Marta won the award that is named after her — the inaugural FIFA Marta Award — for her goal for Brazil against Jamaica in June.

Most Viewed

 
 
Sports

Man City Players to Reimburse Traveling Fans After Shock Defeat in Bodo

Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
TT
TT

Man City Players to Reimburse Traveling Fans After Shock Defeat in Bodo

Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters

Manchester City players will dig into their own pockets to refund travelling fans after a humiliating 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in Arctic conditions.

The Premier League club suffered the upset on Tuesday as Bodo/Glimt secured a first Champions League victory thanks to Kasper Hogh's quick-fire double and Jens Petter Hauge's stunning solo effort.

City managed a consolation through Rayan Cherki, but the second-half dismissal of 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri sealed a miserable evening in the Norwegian ‌town of ‌Bodo.

In the aftermath, senior City players ‌Bernardo ⁠Silva, Ruben ‌Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland issued a statement acknowledging the sacrifice of supporters who made the long journey north.

"Our supporters mean everything to us ... it was a lot of traveling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the ⁠pitch," they said on Wednesday.

"Covering the cost of these tickets for the ‌fans who traveled to Bodo is ‍the least we can do."

They ‍will reimburse the 374 fans a total of 9,357 ‍pounds ($12,568) after each paid about 25 pounds per ticket.

"The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a matchday, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship - it means a lot to us," said Kevin Parker, speaking on behalf of City's Official ⁠Supporters Club.

"We know that the players are disappointed with the defeat to Bodo, but with our next game at home on Saturday there's a chance to get back to winning ways and our fans will be in full voice, backing the team as they always do."

Pep Guardiola's side, who lost 2-0 in the Premier League at Manchester United on Saturday, host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

City sit second in the Premier League with 43 points from 22 ‌matches, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

Sports

AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
TT
TT

AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA

Fans of running and endurance sports are turning their attention to AlUla Governorate, which will host on Thursday the start of the AlUla Trail Race 2026, an iconic sporting event bringing together participants of different ages and skill levels from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, running from January 22 to 23, 2026, SPA reported.

The race is part of the global sports events calendar, as AlUla continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for runners and challenge-seekers, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and diverse routes that combine exploration with endurance testing in one of the world’s most prominent running experiences.

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories, including a 50-kilometer race that passes through the Old Town and distinctive natural trails, and a 100-kilometer race, considered among the toughest endurance challenges for professional runners.

It also includes a 10-kilometer race for the general category, a Sunset Race for age groups 5 to 12, a 1.6-kilometer Kids Race, and a 3-kilometer race for participants aged 13 and above, as well as specialized races for highly experienced runners that require advanced fitness and endurance.

The first day of the race is scheduled to begin tomorrow with the start of the 50-kilometer race, alongside a number of accompanying cultural and community activities, as well as the Kids Race and sports performances.

The following day, the 100-kilometer race will launch at sunrise, followed by the 10-kilometer race, and the day will conclude with the winners’ award ceremony and medal distribution.

The AlUla Trail Race is not limited to athletic competition, but also offers a comprehensive sports and community experience, featuring cultural and entertainment events, musical performances, a variety of food options, and recreational facilities within the race village, creating a festive atmosphere suitable for families and supporters throughout the weekend.

During the race, runners pass several of AlUla’s iconic landmarks, from mountains and desert rock formations to valleys, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hegra and Maraya Hall, giving the event a cultural and tourism dimension that reflects the governorate’s growing status on the map of global sporting events.

Sports

Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
TT
TT

Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)

Aryna Sabalenka Wednesday said she "didn't want to talk politics" after Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova called for Belarusian and Russian players to be banned from tennis.

The 25-year-old Oliynykova, whose father is fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, had said on Tuesday that the presence of players from those two countries was "very wrong" while the conflict continued.

Oliynykova, after losing to defending champion Madison Keys on her Slam debut, wore a T-shirt at her press conference emblazoned with: "I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can't talk about it here."

Under Grand Slam tournament guidelines, players are prohibited from making political statements at competition venues.

But in an interview with Melbourne's The Age newspaper she took aim at Russian and Belarusian players, who are competing under a neutral white flag.

"I think it's very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports," she said.

"Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don't see the things behind it."

Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, has previously said she believes that sport "is nothing to do with politics" and on Wednesday reiterated her position.

"I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously," said the world number one after powering into the third round.

"I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that.

"Other than that, I have nothing else to say."

Pressed on Oliynykova's call for her to be banned, she replied: "I'm here for tennis. It's a tennis event. I have said enough in the past and just don't want to talk politics here."

Belarus is a close ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Oliynykova said she did not speak with Russian and Belarusian players in the locker rooms or on the practice courts.

"I don't communicate with them. But, you know, people are not informed about this and if I need to say it, I will, because I feel (it is) unfair."

- Apartment shook -

Unlike other professional Ukrainian tennis players, Oliynykova still lives and trains in her homeland despite the constant threat of Russian attacks.

Just before she came to Australia, the Kyiv native came close to being hit in one such incursion.

"There was an explosion just near my home and a drone hit the home just across the road," she said. "My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion."

Fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk has also been outspoken about the war and refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, most recently Sabalenka after losing in the Brisbane International final.

Another Ukrainian, Elina Svitolina, said it was important to keep the conflict in the public eye.

"The war has been ongoing for four years. I mean, we talked about it many, many times," the world number 12 said Wednesday after joining Sabalenka in the third round.

"For me, now it's gone, the topic. I mean, the stand has been taken already. A decision has been made by WTA, ATP," she said, referring to Russian and Belarusian players being allowed to compete.

"Right now what we can do is go out there, try to perform well, try to represent our country in the right way, and not forget that we can use our voices to bring the help, to bring the attention to our homeland."