Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior issued a powerful and defiant response after being named The Best FIFA Men’s Player on Tuesday night, following an outstanding 2024.
Vini was overlooked for the Ballon d’Or in October, losing out to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, which resulted in a petty club-wide boycott of the ceremony by Real Madrid.
The Brazilian, who has been subjected to rough treatment from defenders, as well as despicable racist abuse from opposition fans over the years, took it as one more obstacle he’s had to overcome on his journey to being labelled the best player in the world.
FIFA’s ceremony was held in Qatar to coincide with the first FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Vini pledged his future to Real Madrid during an acceptance speech on stage, effectively ending lingering transfer speculation regarding the Saudi Pro League, before later posting on social media too.
“Today I am writing to the child who has seen so many idols lift that trophy…his time has come. Or rather, my time has come,” Vini wrote on Instagram.
“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 prepared. Nobody is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.
“When I was at Sao Goncalo, the system did not care about me. They almost swallowed me up. I won for myself, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazil 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.”