Vinícius Júnior’s journey from a confident 18-year-old in Real Madrid’s number 28 jersey to a celebrated 24-year-old football star exemplifies resilience and self-belief. Despite early skepticism and ridicule, he has emerged as a key player, winning FIFA’s “The Best” award and scoring 82 goals under coach Carlo Ancelotti. His electrifying performances captivate fans, while his advocacy against racism in football highlights his commitment to social issues. Vinícius remains a vital figure in both sport and activism.
Vinícius Júnior: A Journey of Self-Belief and Triumph
Vinícius Júnior has always had an unwavering belief in his abilities. Back in March 2019, he confidently stated, “I see myself winning the ‘Ballon d’Or’; I don’t know at what age, but 25 or 26 years would be ideal.” At just 18 years old and donning the number 28 jersey for Real Madrid, he had netted two goals but admitted to feeling nervous during his finishes. He knew he could overcome this, emphasizing, “Before dribbling or other technical qualities, I would highlight my personality.”
Despite his confidence, many doubted him, and some even ridiculed his skills. Comments like “He’s really bad,” from former Spanish international Joaquín, and “Don’t pass to him, he’s playing against us,” from his own teammate Karim Benzema, echoed in the fall of 2020.
From Mockery to Recognition
Fast forward to today, and Vinícius is now a 24-year-old football sensation. While he has yet to claim the coveted “Ballon d’Or,” his recent narrow loss to Rodri from Manchester City sparked outrage among Madrid fans, leading Vinícius and Real Madrid to boycott the associated gala in protest.
However, he did achieve recognition by winning “The Best” award from FIFA. Though this honor carries slightly less prestige than the Ballon d’Or, it allowed Vinícius to make a bold statement in his celebratory Instagram post: “I am the best footballer in the world.” Unlike the Ballon d’Or, which is determined by a panel of sports journalists, the FIFA award involves national coaches and captains, where Vinícius emerged victorious among fans and captains, showcasing Brazil’s immense support base compared to Spain.
The timing of the award was impeccable, as Vinícius was in Doha to accept it during the ceremony, coinciding with Real’s match against Pachuca for the Intercontinental Cup title.
At the same event, Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti was honored as the best coach of 2024, a fitting accolade considering Vinícius’ remarkable growth under his guidance. During his first three seasons at Real, he scored only 14 goals, but since Ancelotti’s return in 2021, he has netted an astonishing 82 goals, including two in Champions League finals.
Vinícius’ impact on the pitch transcends mere statistics; his electrifying speed, creativity, and intelligence captivate fans and spectators alike. His ability to dazzle opponents and enthrall audiences at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu has solidified his place as an indispensable asset to the team, leaving no room for doubts about his position, even amid rumors of Kylian Mbappé’s potential transfer.
Moreover, Vinícius serves as an emotional barometer for the entire Real Madrid squad. His sprints and passionate pleas to the crowd often galvanize his teammates. However, his emotional intensity sometimes leads to controversy, particularly regarding his interactions with referees. Recently, during a match against Rayo Vallecano, Vinícius faced criticism for his aggressive complaints towards the officiating team.
In Spain, opinions about him are mixed, often sparked by his confrontational demeanor. A notable exchange during a city derby against Atlético Madrid highlights this dynamic, as he playfully taunted captain Koke about their respective Champions League successes, igniting further rivalry.
Despite facing xenophobic abuse from fans in various cities, including Mallorca and Valencia, Vinícius remains undeterred. He has courageously highlighted the issue of racism in football, advocating for accountability and change. His activism has begun to yield results, with fans receiving prison sentences for racist behavior for the first time in 2024.
Vinícius is determined to continue his fight against racism, even suggesting that Spain should be stripped of its chance to host the 2030 World Cup if improvements are not made. His boldness has resonated, and he remains committed to representing the underprivileged, declaring, “No one will tell me what I should fight for or how I should behave.”