December 19 – Vinicius Junior has hit out at his critics after bouncing back from losing out at the Ballon d’Or by winning the FIFA Best trophy award, accusing his detractors of trying to “invalidate” and “diminish” him.
The Real Madrid and Brazil forward took the FIFA prize – which is voted on by a combination of national team coaches and captains, journalists, and fans – ahead of Manchester City midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham.
His victory turned the tables on Rodri who beat Vinícius to the Ballon d’Or, leading to the entire Real Madrid team boycotting the ceremony in Paris in protest.
“Today I write to the child who has seen so many idols lift that trophy,” Vinícius, who has been the subject of frequent racial abuse in Spain, posted on Instagram. “His time has come. Or rather, my time has come. The time to say … yes, I am the best player in the world and I have fought hard for it.
“They have tried and tried to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not ready. No one is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.
“I won for myself, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates over the years … the people who accompany me every day in my routine, those who admire me … The best player in the world.”
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