Vinicius, who joined Real from Flamengo in 2018, added: “They tried and still try to dismiss me, to belittle me. But they can’t.
“No one will tell me who to fight for and how to behave. When I was there [home town] Sao Goncalo, the system did not work for me. I almost got swallowed.
“I won for myself, for my family. Thanks to the great support of: Flamengo, Real Madrid, the Brazilian national team, hundreds of my fellow players over the years… people who share my daily routine with me, who admire me… the best player in the world.”
Real-life coach Carlo Ancelotti and striker Kylian Mbappe won individual honors at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, but neither was present to accept the award.
After Rodri was named the men’s winner, Vinicius posted on X: “They’re not ready.”
The Ballon d’Or and the FIFA Best Awards are two of the most prestigious awards in football, and Vinicius was on hand to receive his first FIFA award in Doha.
The award – for football from August 2023 to August 2024 – was decided by a public vote in which one journalist from each country and the captain and manager of each national team participated. Each group’s vote counted for 25%.
Real Madrid was already in Qatar for Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican team Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium.
