Vinicius Jr issued a cold response to fans who were taunting him during Real Madrid’s 3-2 win against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League play-off.
Vini Jr, 24, was the subject of media interest coming into the fixture following the chaos that occurred after he came second in the race for the Ballon d’Or back in October 2024.
As you may know, the Brazilian looked likely to receive the award only for the results to confirm that it was, in fact, Rodri who reigned supreme.
Madrid boycotted the ceremony, something their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was asked about earlier this week.
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"I don't think it was the wrong decision,” said Ancelotti.
"We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon D'Or. It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before."
While Pep Guardiola was not willing to criticise Madrid and gave a diplomatic answer when asked about the situation.
"I was happy for Rodri, but Vinicius made an extraordinary year as well," he said. "He could deserve it, like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for it. So, the subject is over."
However, ahead of Tuesday’s game, City fans displayed a banner with an image of Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or and the words “Stop crying your heart out” emblazoned on it, seemingly as a dig towards Madrid and Vini Jr.
Even Rodri was impressed as he was spotted filming from the stands.
However, it was ultimately Vini Jr who had the last laugh as his side scored two late goals to take a one-goal advantage into next Wednesday’s second leg.
Throughout the game, the forward was goaded by the home side’s fans with a chant of “Where’s your Ballon d'Or?”
Footage of the Brazil international pointing to the Champions League emblem – with the number 15 on it to symbolise the amount of titles the club have won - on the sleeve of Madrid’s shirt emerged online, and now he has spoken out about the banner.
“I saw the banner from Man City fans… and it motivated me even more,” said Vinicius after the game.
“Whenever rival fans do things, it gives me more strength to play a great game.”
Ancelotti, 65, also weighed in with his take.
He said: “Rodri Ballon d'Or banner? I don't know if Vini saw that, but looking at the game, if he did see it, it was a huge motivation for him.”
Topics: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Champions League, Vinicius Jr, Rodri, Ballon d'Or, Football
Luke Davies