All through 2024, Actual Madrid claimed 5 main titles, together with La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Intercontinental Cup. Vinicius Junior performed a pivotal function in these successes, contributing each his talent and profitable mentality to assist the group obtain its objectives. Consequently, the Brazilian winger earned quite a few accolades, together with FIFA’s The Finest award. Now, he has revealed the gamers who’ve impressed him most—surprisingly leaving out Lionel Messi.
On the Globe Soccer Awards on Friday, Vinicius was honored because the Finest Ahead and Participant of the 12 months. Additionally current on the ceremony was Cristiano Ronaldo, who praised Vini and criticized the Ballon d’Or for overlooking the Brazilian, as a substitute awarding Rodri. “He deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. It was unfair,” CR7 asserted.
When Vinicius had the chance to reply to Ronaldo’s reward, he did so with out hesitation. “If Cristiano says I’m the most effective, I’ll consider it, and that’s it,” the 24-year-old star mentioned. “After all, I’m joyful for every little thing I’ve achieved this season with Actual Madrid.”
Nevertheless, essentially the most stunning a part of Vinicius’ speech got here when he overtly acknowledged his inspirations: “For me, it’s a pleasure and an honor to be right here alongside Cristiano and Neymar, my two best idols.”
Vinicius and Neymar, forwards of the Brazilian nationwide group.
Vinicius’ bond with Neymar and Ronaldo
Vinicius’ selection of Neymar and Cristiano Ronaldo as his soccer idols is sensible each personally and professionally. Neymar has been Brazil’s standout participant for years, main the nationwide group and taking part in alongside Vini in his early years with the group.
Ronaldo, however, is likely one of the most vital figures within the historical past of Actual Madrid. He spent practically a decade on the membership, profitable quite a few titles and turning into its all-time high scorer. Given his monumental influence, it’s solely pure that Vinicius sees CR7 as a job mannequin, particularly contemplating their shared historical past at Actual Madrid. This makes him a extra influential determine for Vini than Lionel Messi, who has lengthy been a fierce rival of the membership.
Vinicius’ unfinished enterprise
Regardless of his success with Actual Madrid, Vinicius‘ worldwide profession has but to reflect his membership achievements. Since his debut for Brazil in 2019, he has participated in three main tournaments: the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa America. Within the first one Brazil misplaced the ultimate in opposition to Argentina, whereas within the subsequent two they had been eradicated within the quarterfinals, with Vini lacking a decisive match in opposition to Uruguay within the latter event because of suspension.
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Vinicius claims third membership world title: What number of extra does he have to surpass Messi, Ronaldo?
The nationwide group’s disappointing performances, coupled with underwhelming particular person showings from key gamers like Vinicius, have led to criticism from each the press and followers. Many consider the winger has but to duplicate his membership type for Brazil, with some holding him accountable for the group’s current struggles. His subsequent aim is evident: redemption with the Brazilian nationwide group on the 2026 World Cup.
