Vinicius Jr, the Brazilian winger whose explosive talent has become synonymous with Real Madrid’s recent successes, has made a remarkable statement about his future. Though his name is often linked to discussions about loyalty and legacy at Madrid, Vinicius recently admitted that if he were ever to leave the Spanish giants, he would only do so for one club: Flamengo. It’s a surprising revelation from the player currently favored to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, an award many feel he richly deserves.
Vini Jr’s breakout season came on the back of his relentless performance streak, crowned most recently with a sensational hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in Real Madrid’s recent Champions League victory, ending 5-2 in their favor. This latest achievement came just days before the Ballon d’Or announcement, set for Monday, October 28, 2024, at Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet. With his 24 years marked by moments of brilliance and an increasingly mature presence on the field, Vinicius has emerged as one of the most electrifying players in Europe. His sharpness, evident in each match, makes him a formidable figure on Real Madrid’s roster and a favorite among fans.
Vinicius’ growth as a player has been steady yet monumental. In the past season alone, he was pivotal to Real Madrid’s domestic and international campaigns, contributing significantly to their double-winning feat. In the Champions League final, he scored a decisive goal in a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, bringing his season tally to an impressive 24 goals across 39 appearances. His impact was felt in each game, not only as a scorer but as a playmaker, adding a dimension to Madrid’s attack that has often been difficult to counter.
This season, Vinicius has continued to dazzle, netting eight goals and delivering seven assists in just 14 appearances. He has shown not just talent but a consistency that evaded him in his earlier years at Madrid. His rise has coincided with a period of transition for the club, making his contributions all the more valuable. And with age on his side, his prime years are likely still ahead—an exciting prospect for Madrid fans and an intimidating one for their rivals.
Despite his love for Madrid and its unique fervor, Vinicius has also expressed a deep and abiding connection to Flamengo, the club where he took his first professional steps. Speaking with L’Équipe in 2023, he spoke of his affection for Madrid, but clarified that, in his heart, Flamengo remains the club he holds dearest. “I think I could stay here my whole career,” he reflected, “but the club of my life is Flamengo.”
For Vinicius, life in Madrid has its charms—he describes it as a place where he’s found a sense of belonging, his family integrated and comfortable in the Spanish capital. The winger appreciates the warmth he encounters around the city, where he and his loved ones are greeted with smiles and well-wishes. And yet, he remains drawn to Flamengo, the club that gave him his professional debut and a foundation of footballing values. Having made 69 appearances for Flamengo before moving to Madrid in 2018, the Brazilian winger’s attachment to his roots remains unbreakable.
As Real Madrid prepares for Saturday’s anticipated ‘El Clásico’ showdown against Barcelona, Vinicius is poised to make his mark once again, hoping to etch his name deeper into the club’s history. He has already won every available trophy at club level with Real Madrid, including La Liga titles and Champions League honors. International success, however, remains just out of reach, leaving a goal still unfulfilled.
Vinicius’s comments about Flamengo may be intriguing, yet they underscore his strong sense of loyalty—a rare trait in modern football. Though his ambitions are high with Madrid, his words offer a rare glimpse into the personal side of a player often viewed solely for his on-field exploits.
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