Author: Soorya G
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his displeasure at the absence of Vinicius Junior among the finalists for the FIFA The Best award. Ancelotti considered this exclusion “peculiar” and criticized the selection process.
Vinicius Junior had already been on the initial list of 14 nominees. However, he didn’t make the final cut, as decided by the players affiliated to Fifpro, the organization responsible for the final selection. This decision caused strangeness and disappointed several people, including Ancelotti himself.
He declared: “I’m not sure about the methodology used for this list, but it’s really unusual not to find Vinicius among the finalists. From my perspective, that’s an oversight. This list missed the mark.“
The exclusion of Vinicius Junior generated questions, especially in light of his recognition as the best player at the Club World Cup. The selection process involved more than 60,000 Fifpro members who voted for the three best players in each position: goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers.
Unfortunately, Vinicius Junior didn’t get enough votes to secure a place among the finalists. The players with the highest rankings in each category will make up the final list, which will be revealed shortly. This list will include three defenders, three midfielders, three strikers and a goalkeeper. The field player with the most votes will also secure a place.
The long-awaited team of the year will be revealed during the FIFA The Best awards ceremony, scheduled for February 27 in Paris, France. The imminent decision has already sparked a great deal of attention and discussion among soccer enthusiasts and professionals.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotii’s Real Madrid side will have to play without the Brazilian star, who is currently recovering from a thigh injury. Although there is no specific date for his return, the Spanish side hope that he will be back in time for the Champions League clash against Napoli.