Jude Bellingham Deserved FIFA’s ‘The Best Player of the Year’ Award, Says Daniel Regha
Popular Nigerian social media personality and critic Daniel Regha has gotten the internet talking once more, as he recently shared his thoughts on X, formerly Twitter, on who should have won the much-cherished FIFA’s The Best Player of the Year in 2024. Regha stated that England midfielder Jude Bellingham was the one who deserved to win the important award since he was much better than the eventual winner.
Regha wrote, “Jude Bellingham ought to have won FIFA The Best ‘Player of the Year’ award for 2024. He had a more accomplished season, won everything Vini won with Real Madrid, & dominated La Liga the most; But he’s not the winner?” The post quickly ignited reactions, drawing both agreement and opposition from football fans across social media platforms.
Bellingham, who has been sensational since his arrival at Real Madrid, played a key role throughout the 2023/2024 season. The young midfielder dazzled fans and critics alike, delivering standout performances in both domestic and international competitions. While Real Madrid lifted major trophies, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Bellingham’s contributions often stole the spotlight. Regha’s comparison with Vinícius Júnior, who had an equally exceptional season, has added fuel to an already intense debate over individual recognition in football.
The football community, however, remains divided. Some users on X echoed Regha’s sentiment while most didn’t agree with him. One user wrote, “They both deserve the prize as a matter of fact but there’s always a winner, More or less like The match btw Man United and Chelsea 2008 UEFA Champions League final. And instead of condemning one player for the other player, @DanielRegha I think a diplomacy intervention btw the two players would be better suited”
Another fan agreed, adding, “And Vinicius fans won’t say say anything this time… Now it’s all fair… Even not he was in the Euros finals… Where was Vini at the Copa America… Hypocrites!”
Others quickly countered Regha’s take. One comment read, “Just like you complained about Rodri winning the Ballon D’or. You should know that some, if not most, of these awards are by voting, so everybody that made it to the final shortlist deserves the award, respectively. However, the ultimate or outright winner is by voting strength.” Another added, “They’re both worthy of the award that’s just it. Whether they give it to Bellingham or Vini, both are well deserved”
Ever since the invention of FIFA awards, there has always been a talking point as some people feel the governing body is wrong in choosing a winner, sometimes even the voting process. While Vinícius Júnior came out on top, many would argue that Bellingham contributed no less in the campaign that he had. Just 21, the midfielder is already an established star in the game, putting in great performances at the highest level for club and country.
Regha’s take, though controversial as always, has reignited conversations around fairness in awarding football’s top individual accolades. Whether one agrees or disagrees, there’s no denying Jude Bellingham’s impact on the sport this season. As the conversation continues online, football fans will undoubtedly keep debating what constitutes being ‘the best.’
