On the evening of October 28, Real Madrid shocked the football world. Despite Vinicius Jr's impressive performance, the Ballon d'Or award went to Rodri, sparking widespread outrage among fans and observers. Vinicius Jr has now broken his silence on the matter, sharing a revealing statement about Cristiano Ronaldo's influence.
A Crushing Blow for Vinicius Jr
The Brazilian winger had an incredible season with Real Madrid, dazzling fans with his exceptional dribbling skills, decisive goals, and growing impact on the game. Many believed he was a shoo-in for the Ballon d'Or. However, Rodri's solid performances and consistency with Manchester City earned him the top honor instead.
The backlash was immediate, with frustrated fans questioning the selection criteria and wondering if non-sporting factors had influenced the decision. The outrage intensified after the event, with thousands of supportive messages flooding social media for Vinicius.
Two months later, the Globe Soccer Awards offered a new twist in this saga. Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend and Vinicius' idol, spoke candidly during his speech. While criticizing the French Ligue 1, his statement about the Ballon d'Or stole the spotlight.
"Vinicius should have won. He's the best this year," CR7 asserted confidently.
Vinicius Jr Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo with Class
Cristiano Ronaldo's words had a profound impact on Vinicius. It was more than just a compliment – it was a validation of his talent by one of the greatest players in history. Moments later, while accepting his Best Player of the Year award at the Globe Soccer Awards, the Brazilian reacted with enthusiasm.
"If Cristiano says I'm the best, then I am. He's my idol, and hearing those words is an honor," Vinicius said, visibly moved.
The Ballon d'Or debate will continue, but instead of dwelling on regrets, Vinicius and his supporters are focusing on the future. With the Champions League in sight and unwavering support from football giants like Cristiano Ronaldo, the Brazilian has all the motivation he needs to transform this disappointment into fuel for success.
For now, one thing is certain: Vinicius Jr doesn't need a trophy to prove he's among the best.