Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian winger, has been named the best player of the just concluded 2023–24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) season.
The 23-year-old was announced as the winner of the coveted gong in a statement on Monday.
Vinicius was impressive for Real Madrid throughout the competition, as they took down several heavyweights en route to winning their 15th UCL title.
He scored six goals, including the second goal, when the Galacticos defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final on June 1.
“UEFA’s Technical Observer panel has named Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior as the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League Player of the Season,” the statement reads.
“Vinícius Júnior turned in a series of sensational displays for Madrid across their victorious campaign, chipping in with six goals in all, including the clincher in the final against Dortmund.”
Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder, was also adjudged the best young player of the season following his immense contribution to Madrid’s conquest.
The 20-year-old had a spectacular debut season for Madrid, where he, alongside Vinicius and Rodrygo, formed a formidable triumvirate that created a series of problems for defences across Europe.
Alongside Vinicius and Bellingham, two other Madrid players—Daniel Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger—also made the team of the season.
Dortmund players like Matts Hummels, Marcel Sabitzer, Iaan Matseen and Gregor Kobel also made the list alongside Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Vitinha of PSG.
Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane completed the tournament’s best eleven players.
