Editor’s note: On Tuesday, the winners of The Best FIFA Football Awards 2024 were revealed after a comprehensive voting process involving fans, national team coaches, captains, and media representatives from FIFA’s 211 member nations.
For the second consecutive year, Doug McIntyre from FOX Sports was chosen as the media voter for the United States in the men’s categories: best player, best goalkeeper, and best coach.
Here are McIntyre’s selections, along with his rationale for each choice, and the actual award winners.
McIntyre’s pick: Jude Bellingham
Despite finishing third in the voting behind Vini Jr. and Rodri, McIntyre argues that Bellingham’s performance during the evaluation period, from August 21, 2023, to August 10, 2024, showcased his superiority.
During this timeframe, Bellingham emerged as the driving force for Real Madrid, leading the team to victory in both the Spanish league and the Champions League—accomplishments that Vini Jr. could not match the previous season. The 20-year-old was recognized as La Liga’s top player and played a pivotal role in bringing his national team to the Euro 2024 final.
McIntyre’s pick: Emiliano Martínez
Martínez, affectionately known as “Dibu,” had an impressive season, guiding his English team back to the Champions League after decades. He later showcased his remarkable penalty-saving skills in the Copa América, helping Argentina achieve a rare feat by winning a World Cup sandwiched between two continental titles. His performance earned him the award by a wide margin.
Best coach: Carlo Ancelotti
McIntyre’s pick: Xabi Alonso
While Ancelotti’s management of Real Madrid is impressive, McIntyre believes it sometimes overshadows other candidates. After reclaiming both the Spanish title from Barcelona and the European title from Manchester City last season, Ancelotti certainly deserves recognition.
How did the USMNT’s Mauricio Pochettino and Tim Ream vote?
The voting preferences of U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream were also disclosed by FIFA on Tuesday. Their selections were as follows:
Pochettino
Best player: Lionel Messi, Rodri, Vini Jr.
Best keeper: Martínez, Simón, Ederson
Best coach: Scaloni, Luis de la Fuente, Ancelotti
Ream
Best player: Rodri, Vini Jr., Bellingham
Best keeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Mike Maignan, Martínez
Best coach: Xabi Alonso, Guardiola, Ancelotti
