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.##NAJAVA_MECA_8580090##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.##NAJAVA_MECA_8580019##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.Bandari defender on why they are ripe to lift FKF Premier League titleFor 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.Division One side snatches Gilbert Selebwa to advance five-year FKF Premier League planThe 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.##NAJAVA_MECA_8580061##Who Michael Olunga Voted For: Best Men’s Player: Vinícius Jr, Rodri and Dani CarvajalBest FIFA Men’s Coach: Carlo Ancelotti, Pep Guardiola and Xabi AlonsoBest FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper: Unai Simón, David Raya and Emiliano MartínezBeldine OdembaBest Womens Player: Aitana Bonmati, Lindsey Horan, Tabitha ChawingaGoalkeeper: Alyssa Naehaer, Cara Coll, Mary EarpsCoach: Jonatan Giraldez, Emma Hayes, Sonia BompastorRuth Ingosi (Harambee Starlets Captain)Best Player: Barbra Banda, Lucy Bronze, Sophia SmithGoalkeeper: Cata Coll, Ayaka Yamashita, Mary EarpsCoach: Emma Hayes, Elena Sadiku, Gareth TaylorEngin FiratMen’s Player: Vinicius Jnr, Toni Kroos, Lamine YamalGoalkeeper: Emi Martinez, Ederson, Unai SimonCoach: Xabi Alonso, Carlo Ancelloti. Pep GuardiolaEric Njiru (Journalist): Rodri, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal
