Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and former Kenya head coach Engin Firat were among the national team captains and coaches who cast their votes in the 2024 FIFA Best Awards.
The prestigious ceremony took place at the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday, December 17, marking its tenth edition.
Vinícius Júnior was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player, while Aitana Bonmatí took the women’s title. Emiliano Martínez and Alyssa Naeher won the best goalkeeper awards, and the coaching honors went to Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes.
Representing Kenya on the global stage, Olunga’s votes showcased his admiration for tactical brilliance and outstanding talent. His picks for the Men’s Player award were Vinícius Jr, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal.
His selections mirrored global voting trends, with Vinícius topping the votes with 48 points, followed by Rodri (43) and Jude Bellingham (37).
In the coaching category, Olunga voted for Carlo Ancelotti first, followed by Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso.
For the goalkeeper award, Olunga chose Unai Simón, David Raya, and Emiliano Martínez.
Former Kenya coach Engin Firat also participated in the voting process, selecting Vinícius Jr, Toni Kroos, and Lamine Yamal for the Men’s Player award. Firat’s choices for coaches included Xabi Alonso first, followed by Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
On the women’s side, Harambee Starlets captain Ruth Ingosi voted for Africa’s standout player, Barbra Banda. Despite her efforts, Banda finished second to Aitana Bonmatí, who garnered 52 points compared to Banda’s 39.
Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba cast her vote in favor of Bonmatí for the women’s player award.
The voting process for The Best FIFA Awards is designed to gather diverse perspectives. National team coaches, captains, journalists, and registered fans on FIFA.com participate by nominating three players, coaches, and goalkeepers in descending order of preference.
Points are allocated as follows: five for first place, three for second, and one for third. This democratic process ensures that the winners reflect the broad opinions of the global football community.
Who Michael Olunga Voted For:
Best Men’s Player: Vinícius Jr, Rodri, Dani Carvajal
Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso
Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Unai Simón, David Raya, Emiliano Martínez
Beldine Odemba:
Best Women’s Player: Aitana Bonmatí, Lindsey Horan, Tabitha Chawinga
Best Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naeher, Cata Coll, Mary Earps
Best Coach: Jonatan Giráldez, Emma Hayes, Sonia Bompastor
Ruth Ingosi (Harambee Starlets Captain):
Best Player: Barbra Banda, Lucy Bronze, Sophia Smith
Best Goalkeeper: Cata Coll, Ayaka Yamashita, Mary Earps
Best Coach: Emma Hayes, Elena Sadiku, Gareth Taylor
Engin Firat:
Men’s Player: Vinícius Jr, Toni Kroos, Lamine Yamal
Best Goalkeeper: Emi Martínez, Ederson, Unai Simón
Best Coach: Xabi Alonso, Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola
Eric Njiru (Journalist):
Men’s Player: Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal
