Ana Cora Lima
Vinicius Jr. is the best player in the world in FIFA The Best 2024. The award crowned the Brazilian’s year, full of good performances and decisive goals that helped Real Madrid win the UEFA Super Cup, La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup and the European Champions League. The number seven of the Merengue team also took part in the fight against racism by using his powerful voice to denounce the attacks they have been suffering.
From being a victim, he became a victimizer of racists — as he himself defined himself after an unprecedented criminal conviction, in Spain, of three fans who called him a monkey at a match. “It’s for all other black people. May other racists be afraid, ashamed and hide in the shadows. Otherwise, I’ll be here to demand it,” he said.
The FIFA award, presented on Tuesday (17), did justice to the player’s outstanding season, who was favorite for the Ballon d’Or, the traditional and coveted award from France Football magazine. Spanish midfielder Rodri won the trophy in October, which surprised part of the football world. Fans and even players spoke out on social media against the decision.
The anti-racist fight was cited as one of the reasons why the Brazilian did not win the award.
Vinicius Jr. is 24 years old, was born and spent his childhood in the neighborhood of Mutuá, in São Gonçalo, in the metropolitan region of Rio. He arrived at Flamengo at the age of 11 and, five years later, was sold by the Rio club to Real Madrid for 45 million euros (almost 290 million reais at current prices).
“I’m very proud of my origins, my family and my friends. Being born and living in a place with many needs is not easy… but the football has always been there… a faithful companion, and the symbol of a dream and a better future”, he said in an interview.
His personal life was also in a good phase throughout 2024. Vini rekindled his relationship with influencer Maju Mazalli, 29. The two dated between 2019 and 2021 and the rapprochement took place at the beginning of the year.
In May, she went to Spain to watch the final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. At the end of October, Maju received a surprise party for his birthday. The star also showed the influencer at his home, studying with his nephew and wished: “Happy day, health, happiness and lots of love.”
Source: Folha
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