REVEALED: How Michael Olunga and Engin Firat voted at 2024 FIFA Best Awards

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga and former Kenya head coach Engin Firat were among the national team captains and coaches who voted in the 2024 FIFA Best Awards.

The prestigious ceremony was held at the Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday 17 December, marking its tenth edition.

Vinícius Júnior emerged as The Best FIFA Men’s Player, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s title. Emiliano Martínez and Alyssa Naeher secured the awards for best goalkeepers, and coaching accolades went to Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes.

Representing Kenya on the global stage, Olunga’s votes reflected his admiration for tactical brilliance and exceptional talent.

For the Men’s Player award, his top picks were Vinícius Jr, Rodri, and Dani Carvajal. His selections aligned with global trends, as Vinícius topped the voting with 48 points, followed by Rodri (43) and Jude Bellingham (37).

In the coaching category, Olunga cast his first-place vote for Carlo Ancelotti, followed by Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso. For the goalkeeper award, his picks were Unai Simón, David Raya, and Emiliano Martínez.

Former Kenya coach Engin Firat also participated in the voting process. Firat’s choices for The Best FIFA Men’s Player included Vinícius Jr, Toni Kroos, and Lamine Yamal.

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For the coaches’ award, he ranked Xabi Alonso first, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola following.

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 favour of Bonmatí.

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The voting process for The Best FIFA Awards integrates 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 winners reflect a broad spectrum of opinions from the global football community.

Who Michael Olunga Voted For:

Best Men’s Player: Vinícius Jr, Rodri and Dani Carvajal

Best FIFA Men’s Coach: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Xabi Alonso

Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Unai Simón, David Raya and Emiliano Martínez

Beldine Odemba

Best Womens Player: Aitana Bonmati, Lindsey Horan, Tabitha Chawinga

Goalkeeper: Alyssa Naehaer, Cara Coll, Mary Earps

Coach: Jonatan Giraldez, Emma Hayes, Sonia Bompastor

Ruth Ingosi (Harambee Starlets Captain)

Best Player: Barbra Banda, Lucy Bronze, Sophia Smith

Goalkeeper: Cata Coll, Ayaka Yamashita, Mary Earps

Coach: Emma Hayes, Elena Sadiku, Gareth Taylor

Engin Firat

Men's Player: Vinicius Jnr, Toni Kroos, Lamine Yamal

Goalkeeper: Emi Martinez, Ederson, Unai Simon

Coach: Xabi Alonso, Carlo Ancelloti. Pep Guardiola

Eric Njiru (Journalist): Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal