Vinicius Junior Named Best Player of the Champions League
Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior has been crowned the best player of the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League after playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's victory to secure their 15th title. The UEFA technical committee made this announcement on Monday, recognizing Vinicius' stellar performance throughout the tournament.
Vinicius, aged 23, contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s success, scoring 6 goals in the competition. One of these crucial goals came against Borussia Dortmund in the final at Wembley Stadium, helping Real Madrid clinch a 2-0 victory. Over the course of the tournament, he appeared 10 times for the team, playing a total of 901 minutes, delivering 5 assists, and covering a distance of 99.3 kilometers at a peak speed of 34.7 kilometers per hour.
Reacting to being named Player of the Season, Vinicius expressed his gratitude, “I am happy to win another Champions League title with the club. Not many players experience this.” This marks his second Champions League title with Real Madrid, reinforcing his status as a key player for the team.
Jude Bellingham: Best Young Player of the Champions League
Real Madrid’s English midfielder Jude Bellingham was recognized as the best young player in the tournament. The 20-year-old, in his debut season with the club, celebrated his first continental title by scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists across 11 matches. His superior performance included a passing success rate of 90.5% and covering 117.5 kilometers over the tournament.
Bellingham was overjoyed with the accolade, stating, “I always dreamed of participating in these matches. It was the most beautiful night of my life.” His substantial contributions played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's successful campaign.
Real Madrid's Dominance in the Champions League
Real Madrid's legacy in the Champions League continues to grow, with their recent victory marking their 15th title in the competition. The club's dominance in the tournament, particularly from 2014 to 2024, saw them reaching six finals and winning all of them. This period is considered the most successful since their initial run from 1956 to 1966, which positioned them as the 'Kings of Europe.'
Among the players who have heavily contributed to this era of success are Francisco ‘Paco’ Gento, who spearheaded Real Madrid’s victories between 1956 and 1966, and modern legends like Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, and Dani Carvajal, who have each secured six titles. Notably, Cristiano Ronaldo helped in obtaining five of these titles with the Madrid team before moving on.
The UEFA Champions League Team of the Season features some of these stellar performers. This year’s best lineup includes goalkeeper Gregor Koppel (Borussia Dortmund), defenders Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Mats Hummels, Ian Maatsen (Dortmund), midfielders Marcel Sabitzer (Dortmund), Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), and attackers Phil Foden (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), and Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid). The team's collective brilliance reflects the high level of competition in the prestigious tournament.
- Borussia Dortmund showcased a strong performance throughout the Champions League season, with players like Gregor Koppel and Mats Hummels being recognized in UEFA’s Team of the Season.
- The latest decade has seen remarkable performances from Real Madrid’s squad members. Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Gareth Bale were integral to the team’s success, securing multiple titles during their tenure.
