Overview
- The Flamengo playmaker won with 62.8% of the vote, with Lionel Messi second at 14.8% and Adrián “Maravilla” Martínez third at 5%.
- The El País poll reached new participation highs, drawing ballots from 264 journalists across 16 nations.
- His year with Flamengo included Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão titles, player of the tournament honors, and team-leading goals and assists in the league.
- Uruguay’s secured place at the 2026 World Cup bolstered his credentials, alongside a reported 58 caps and 13 goals for the national team.
- Voters also named an ideal XI dominated by Flamengo and chose Filipe Luís as coach, with selections including Agustín Rossi, Lionel Messi and Adrián Martínez.