On Tuesday, Vinicius Junior had a huge celebration. The Brazilian was voted player of the season 23/24 at the gala FIFA The Best and thus compensated for his defeat in the Ballon d'Or plebiscite, where he lost to Rodri z Manchester City. – They said many times that I wouldn't be able to get here, but I always kept a calm head and now I'm the best player in the world – said Vinicius after the gala in an interview with Real's club television (quote from: realmadryt.pl). Vinicius scored 48 points, ahead of Rodri and Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius, however, is a figure who polarizes society. The Brazilian was supposed to be the face of the fight against racism in the Spanish league, but he argues with referees more often. There are also accusations of simulation on the pitch.
However, Vinicius is often insulted on racial grounds, not only by fans. “The reward for the racists will be my departure. It's not about football, it's about LaLiga,” Vinicius wrote after the match Real Madrid with Valencia in 2023 when the fans provoked him and he showed them two fingers, suggesting that Valencia would be relegated to the Segunda Division. Vinicius was shown a red card for this gesture.
In the last match, Real Madrid drew 3-3 with Rayo Vallecano. Vinicius received a yellow card for protesting and later started talking to the referee about a possible penalty penalty kick for Real Madrid after Mumin's foul on the Brazilian. Additionally, Rayo fans insulted Vinicius, and the player showed them a two-finger gesture, symbolizing Rayo's relegation from the top league in Spain. – Gestures like Vinícius's are inappropriate because he actually insults Rayo fans, said Raul Martin Presa, president of Rayo.
What words about Vinicius. “Most disrespectful player”
Vinicius' behavior during the match against Rayo Vallecano was a source of discussion in the Spanish media. One of them appeared in the program “El Larguero” on Cadena SER radio. “If there was a trophy for the most disrespectful player in the Spanish league, I would award it to Vinicius,” said radio presenter Manu Carreno. – It doesn't do anything. It actually takes away from him – added Alvaro Benito, former Real Madrid player from 1991-2002.
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Another former Real player believes that the club should soon react and take appropriate steps to tame Vinicius. – Regarding Vinicius, I think that at some point the club will have to take some action. “I'm sure everyone tried everything, especially coach Ancelotti, but I think we have to try to make this boy realize that although he is a good player, he is a reference point for many children and his behavior is not appropriate,” added Rafael Alkorta, former Real defender years 1993-1997.
Vinicius Junior joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2018 for €45 million from Flamengo. Since then, he has played 284 matches in all competitions, scoring 96 goals and providing 84 assists. With Vinicius in the squad, Real won two Champions League cups, three Spanish championships, two Club World Cups and two UEFA Super Cups.