Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí were crowned the FIFA Best Players of the Year at an awards ceremony held in Doha on Tuesday.

Vinícius, 24, claimed the men’s prize, succeeding Lionel Messi, while Bonmatí, 26, picked up the women’s award for the second consecutive year.

The accolade comes two months after Vinícius placed second in the Ballon d’Or, a ceremony Real Madrid boycotted after learning that Manchester City’s Rodri would win. This time, the Brazilian collected the prize in person, as his team prepared for their Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca in Qatar.

“Thank you very much. I don’t know where to start. Growing up in poverty and surrounded by organised crime, I never thought I would get here,” Vinícius said. “This is for all the children growing up in similar conditions. To my family, my teammates, my coach Carlo Ancelotti, Flamengo, my national team, and everyone who supports me—thank you.”

Vinícius enjoyed an exceptional season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 matches, helping Real Madrid secure a La Liga-Champions League double. He was the top scorer in the Champions League with six goals, including one in the final against Borussia Dortmund.

Meanwhile, Bonmatí expressed her gratitude via video link from Barcelona’s Olympic Stadium. “I’m grateful and proud to receive this award,” said the Spaniard, who has also won two Ballon d’Or trophies.