Algerian Star Picks Vinícius Júnior Over Erling Haaland for FIFA’s Best Award

Riyad Mahrez, who is the leader of Algeria's soccer team and a top player for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia, thinks Brazilian forward Vinícius Júnior should win the special FIFA Best Player Award instead of Norwegian striker Erling Haaland.

During a big event in Doha on Tuesday, FIFA said Vinícius Júnior won the important prize with 48 points. Manchester City's Rodri got 43 points and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham got 37 points.

FIFA lets the leaders and coaches of national teams vote for the award. The person they pick first gets five points, the second choice gets three points, and the third choice gets one point.

Mahrez chose his old colleague Rodri to start first, followed by Vinícius in second and Haaland in third. Mahrez played with Haaland during Manchester City's historic treble-winning season of 2022–2023.

Algerian national coach Vladimir Petković also favored Rodri for the top spot, placing Vinícius Júnior second and Real Madrid's Federico Valverde in third.