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Vinicius Junior aimed for the Ballon d’Or after being crowned FIFA Best Player of the Year on Tuesday.
The 24-year-old Real Madrid and Brazil striker claimed the prestigious award with 48 points, finishing ahead of Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who scored 43 points, and his Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham, who scored 37 points.
The award is determined by a combination of votes from national team coaches, captains, journalists and fans.
Vinicius’ victory comes after missing out on the Ballon d’Or, which was awarded to Rodri earlier this year.
That decision led Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony in protest.
“Today I am writing to the boy who has seen so many idols lift that trophy,” Vinícius shared on Instagram after receiving the award.
“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 a lot for it.
“They have tried and tried to invalidate me, belittle me. But they are not prepared. Nobody is going to tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave.
“When I was in Sao Gonçalo, the system didn’t care about me. It almost swallowed me.
“I won for me and my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian 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. world.”
Vinicius was recognized for his exceptional 2023-24 campaign, during which he played a key role in helping Real Madrid achieve a LaLiga and Champions League double.
In October, Vinicius expressed his frustration after being passed over for the Ballon d’Or, stating: “I will do it ten times if necessary. “They are not ready.”
Vinicius’ achievement received praise from many in the football world, including Neymar, who encouraged his compatriot to “keep flying” in an Instagram story celebrating his victory.
