Ronaldo Celebrates Vini Jr. as a Beacon of Strength After Best FIFA Player Win
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New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) Portuguese football icon Christiano Ronaldo praised former Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Junior as a symbol of resistance and resilience after the Brazilian was honored as The Best FIFA Men’s Player during a glittering awards event in Doha, Qatar.
Vini Jr netted Real Madrid’s second goal in the final, part of his impressive tally of 24 goals in 39 competitive matches in the 2023-24 season, leading the Spanish club to their record 15th UEFA Champions League title in June. He also played for Brazil, which reached the quarter-finals of the 2024 CONMEBOL Copa America in the USA, while contributing to the team's triumphs in La Liga, Supercopa de España, and UEFA Super Cup, all while succeeding FIFA World Cup 2022 champion Lionel Messi as The Best FIFA Men’s Player.
“It has been 16 years since the last time the trophy for the best player in the world came to Brazil. Now, deservedly in Vini's hands, it signifies much more than his crucial role in matches and his remarkable statistics in the 2023/24 season. His talent alone would suffice for the award, but his influence extends far beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo expressed on Instagram.
The two-time World Cup winner also emphasized the winger's ongoing struggle against racism, which he continues to battle while displaying his phenomenal talents on the field.
“We are discussing one of the most valuable players today, a victim of televised racism with alarming regularity. How many nameless Viniciuses does he represent? How many victims scattered around? A symbol of resistance and resilience, today Vini also spearheads the anti-racist movement in global football, where impunity is as damaging as the attacks. Those who remain silent are equally culpable. The silence—especially from organizations and authorities that possess the legal power to confront and penalize such actions—further perpetuates the culture of erasure and disrespect towards black individuals,” he added.
Vini Jr's accolade arrives just two months after the controversy surrounding his and Madrid's boycott of the Ballon d'Or ceremony, following the announcement that Manchester City's Rodri had been awarded.
“They tried to erase you, my friend. And you triumphed. THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD IS BLACK AND BRAZILIAN!” Ronaldo concluded.
In related news, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who was the runner-up two editions ago, received The Best FIFA Men’s Coach award. “I'm truly honored to accept this award,” said Ancelotti, who was presented with his trophy by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“I began my journey as a professional player in 1976—spending 48 years in football, which has brought me immense joy. Most of the time it’s positive; occasionally negative. But, emotion is the sole reason that after 48 years, I’m still here,” he remarked.
