Brazil and Real Madrid legend Ronaldo hailed Vinicius Junior as a "symbol of resistance and resilience" after he was named The Best FIFA Men's Player.
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Madrid & Brazil star wins top prizeComes two months after Ballon d'Or snubEx-Selecao striker praised Vini JrFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Vinicius was named the world's best player of the year at a ceremony on Tuesday, a reward for his incredible influence on Real Madrid's Champions League and La Liga winning campaign. The victory comes just two months after the outrage that surrounded his and Madrid's boycott of the Ballon d'Or gala after it was revealed that Manchester City star Rodri was the winner.
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The 24-year-old opened up about his journey from poverty to being named the best player on the planet right now and his resolve was further backed up by two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo, who referenced the fight against racism that the winger has kept up while he works his magic on the field.
WHAT RONALDO SAID
"It has been 16 years since the last time the trophy for the best player in the world came to Brazil," he wrote on Instagram. "Now deservedly in Vini's hands, it means much more than his decisive role in the games and the extraordinary numbers in the 2023/24 season. His talent would be enough to win the award, but his power goes far beyond the field.
"We are talking about one of the most valuable players today, a victim of televised racism with inconceivable frequency. How many anonymous Viniciuses does he represent? How many victims spread all over the place? A symbol of resistance and resilience, today Vini also leads the anti-racist struggle in world football, where impunity is as pernicious as the attacks. And those who remain silent are no less racist. The omission – especially by entities and authorities that have the legal power to confront and punish such practices – further reinforces the culture of erasure and disrespect towards black people.
"They tried to erase you, my friend. And you rocked. THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD IS BLACK AND BRAZILIAN!"
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS?
Vinicius is looking to add another trophy to his collection when Madrid meet Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican club Pachuca in Qatar on Wednesday.