After winning the Intercontinental Cup, Vinícius Júnior feels that he and the other Real Madrid “chosen ones” have satisfied one of the demands of the world’s most successful club.
In Wednesday’s final, Madrid defeated Pachuca of Mexico 3-0, with the Brazil international scoring one goal and setting up another. Madrid’s Champions League victory from the previous season earned them a spot in the tournament.
“The team has lived up to what history demands of them, which is winning big titles,” Vinícius declared following the victory. Since not every player has the opportunity to play for the world’s top team, none of them are eligible to wear this shirt. We’ve been selected, and it’s a special feeling that not many athletes have experienced.”
Vinícius, 24, received FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player of the Year title on Tuesday and was chosen player of the match in the victory over Pachuca to wrap up a great week.
“It’s been a beautiful week, really special for me,” he remarked.
Although Vinícius lost to Rodri, a midfielder from Manchester City football club for the 2024 Ballon d’Or prize in October, he seems to have moved on from the setback.
“An award in which people chose not to vote for me won’t change what I think or what my teammates tell me every day,” he explained. “This jersey is the best in the world, and I’m here to play for them and give it my all.” After I joined Real Madrid, the greatest team in the world, I was denigrated for a while, but I never let it stop me from working hard.
“We have won the title of best club in the world, and we constantly aim to be at the top. I hope we can continue to make history in these colours for a very long time to come.
Vinícius also praised Kylian Mbappé, a teammate who scored Madrid’s first goal on Wednesday thanks to the Brazilian’s assist.
“I’m a huge fan of his,” Vinícius declared of the French football player. “He is an amazing player, and I always wanted to play with him, so I sent him a tonne of messages [earlier this year].” We’ve had a long-standing admiration for one another. Our group is amazing; we all adore one another, and there is no conceit here. Real Madrid should always be at the top, and that is what we are here to do.”
Madrid is now in third place in La Liga, one point behind champions Barcelona, but they still have a game in hand. In August, they also won the European Super Cup.
