Saka has been FAILED! Arsenal didn't protect their 'Starboy'

Top 10 Premier League signings of the season so far - ranked

Six Man Utd stars who should be on Amorim's naughty list

Best Betting Sites in Kenya - December 2024 Comparator | Goal.com Kenya

Salah reigns at Xmas as Liverpool trio send message to FSG

Mbappe handed new nickname at Real Madrid after Sevilla stunner

Ex-Chelsea ace Oscar finalising transfer to former club 

Martinez transfer to Chelsea? Why Blues ‘could get him’

Amorim blames 'a lot of people' around Rashford 'making choices'

'Who said Messi's better than me?' - Ronaldo reacts to GOAT taunt 

How long is Arsenal star Saka out for & what games will he miss?

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Madrid &amp; Brazil star bagged the top prize</li><li>Edged out Rodri to gain Ballon d'Or revenge</li><li>Messi snubbed both Vinicius &amp; Rodri as his top pick</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lionel Messi's top vote for The Best FIFA Men's Player revealed - and it wasn't Vinicius Junior OR Rodri

<p>The FIFA Best award ceremony, held in Doha on Tuesday, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/redemption-vinicius-jr-real-madrid-the-best-fifa-men-s-player-2024-losing-ballon-d-or-rodri/bltea4d0a5cb48dc9a0" target="_blank">crowned Vinicius as the winner</a>, recognising his pivotal contributions to Real Madrid’s La Liga title and Champions League triumph in 2023-24. The Real Madrid star was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-statement-ballon-dor-uefa-disrespect-vinicius-jr-rodri/blt6e99d5565362d1d2#cs18d42245305c3f98" target="_blank">pipped to the Ballon d'Or </a>earlier this year by Rodri, but Vinicius came out on top in the FIFA awards by amassing 48 points to the City midfielder's 43.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>National team coaches, captains, and imminent media personalities across the globe took part in the voting process and as captain of the Argentina national team, Messi’s voting choices attracted significant attention. The Inter Miami forward placed Barcelona's 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal at the top of his list, followed by his ex-Paris Saint Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe in second place. Interestingly, Messi did include Vinicius, the eventual winner, in his third spot, and left out Rodri completely from his list.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Messi’s top pick, Yamal, had an outstanding season for both club and country in 2023-24. The Barcelona teenager played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success, delivering a standout performance in the semi-final against France and contributing four assists during the tournament. His efforts earned him the title of the tournament’s best young player. Although Barcelona endured a trophyless campaign last season, Yamal still shone individually, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists across 50 appearances in all competitions. His dynamic play has drawn comparisons to Messi’s early years at Barcelona, with the two players sharing a common starting point in the iconic La Masia academy.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Yamal’s rapid ascent has been interrupted by an injury sustained during Barcelona’s 1-0 loss to Leganes in La Liga on Sunday. Diagnosed with a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/lamine-yamal-concern-barcelona-doctor-verdict-latest-injury/blt6d25b8625b3f03e7#cs5f12621b2f5a26a8" target="_blank">grade 1 ligament injury</a>, the young forward now faces an uncertain recovery period that will see his club take a cautious approach to his return. Meanwhile, Vinicius will be back in action for Real in the Intercontinental Cup final on Wednesday against Pachuca in Doha.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Lionel Messi's top vote for The Best FIFA Men's Player revealed - and it wasn't Vinicius Junior OR Rodri | Goal.com Kenya

Lionel Messi&apos;s top vote for The Best FIFA Men&apos;s Player has been revealed, with the Argentine legend snubbing both Vinicius Junior and Rodri.