Vinicius Junior

Do you think Vinicius was robbed of the 2024 Ballon d'Or?

Vinicius Junior

Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, commonly known as Vinícius Júnior or Vini Jr. is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Spanish club Real Madrid and the Brazil national team. A skillful, fast, and strong player, he is often regarded as one of the best wingers in world football.

The world-class Brazilian winger continues to defy logic for Real Madrid, often carrying the side on his back during the greatest months and the worst. He's a reliable and consistent output on the left flank, helping them win the greatest trophies.

Vinicius scored in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, coming at the end of a season where he picked up 21 goal contributions in 26 La Liga matches. He was seen as the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or – which was won by Manchester City and Spain midfielder, Rodei – and Vini not winning sparked lots of controversies.

At the age of 24, the Brazilian has made a name for himself as arguably the best football player in the world, he has won some important trophies and also has some achievements to his name.

Below are the trophies he has won:

• 2 European Cups.
• 2 FIFA Club World Cups.
• 2 European Super Cup.
• 3 National Leagues.
• 1 Spanish Cup.
• 3 Spanish Super Cups.
• 1 South American U-17 Championship.
• 1 South American U15 Championship.

Below are some of the individual honours Vinicius has received.

• Golden Ball at the 2017 South American U17 Championship Best Player.
• International with Brazil National Football Team since 2019.
• Named in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season in 2021/22.
• UEFA Champions League Young Player of the Season in 2021/22.
• Club World Cup Golden Ball.
• Youngest Real Madrid player in the 21st century to score in the El Clasico
• Fastest goal by a substitute in the Champions League
• Longest record of goal contributions in consecutive starts in the Champions League
• Most goals in the El Clasico for a Brazilian
• Most Champions League knockout goal contributions before turning 24

Vinicius has started the 2024/25 season well, and despite not winning the Ballon d'Or, he is not letting himself down, and he has picked himself up, turning up for Real Madrid with goals and assists for the club.