
VINICIUS JR.
The most open Vinicius Jr. confesses: “I do a lot of things I shouldn't do”
Published:3/03/2025 - 19:22h
Updated:3/03/2025 - 19:23h
Vinicius Jr. talks about his absence at the Ballon d'Or Gala and his future at Real Madrid
Vinicius Jr. has once again offered several testimonies that will surely give much to talk about. The left winger of the Merengue team participated in the press conference prior to the exciting encounter between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid, corresponding to the first leg of the UEFA Champions League 2024-25 (9:00 p.m., Movistar Liga de Campeones).
One of the most prominent revelations focused on his absence at the Ballon d'Or 2024 Gala. It is worth remembering that Vinicius Jr. was expected to be the shining winner of this award. However, in an unexpected turn of events, a few hours before the event began, news broke that the '7' would not be the winner, causing great dismay and 'anger' within the white entity.
As a result, the club decided not to send any representatives to the awards ceremony, which caused a significant embarrassment. Especially because the team had triumphed in other awards for which no representative was present at the Teatro du Châtelet to collect them.
Why did 'Vini Jr.' and other representatives of Real Madrid not attend the Ballon d'Or Gala?
Now, months after this controversy, Vinicius Jr. has expressed his feelings about not winning the Ballon d'Or. The left winger commented: "I didn't feel betrayed (by what happened). There are people who vote as they believe. I have my thoughts, my teammates too. I never dreamed of winning the Ballon d'Or. Of course, when you are close to winning it, you want to win it, but I will have opportunities to win other awards. I have already won two Champions League titles and I am here to win much more."
"I never dreamed of winning the Ballon d'Or"
The former Flamengo player revealed that the absence of the Real Madrid players at the Ballon d'Or Gala was a team decision and not personal. "Always about the club. I do what the club tells me. They asked me to stay in Madrid and I did so calmly," he warned.
"I do what the club tells me. They asked me to stay in Madrid"
Possible move to Saudi Arabian football
On another note, Vinicius Jr. denied the rumors about a possible transfer to Saudi Arabian football. Despite reports suggesting interest from a team in the Saudi Pro League in acquiring the services of the forward with a tempting proposal (€200 million per season), the '7' is focused on his future with Real Madrid. "I am very calm because I have a contract until 2027 and hopefully we can renew my contract as soon as possible because I am happy here, in the best team in the world. I couldn't be in a better place than this," emphasized the international with the 'Canarinha'.
"Hopefully we can renew my contract as soon as possible because I am happy here"
Similarly, regarding the alleged offer from Saudi Arabia, Vinicius Jr. mentioned that he is unlikely to be tempted by the Middle East. "I am here to continue the story and everything that this club and the president have given me. Hopefully I can continue scoring more goals and playing more games in this shirt. My childhood dream was always to get here, and now that I have done it, I can win much more and enter the history of this club," he emphasized.
Controversies with Spanish refereeing
In a more conciliatory tone, Vinicius Jr. spoke about refereeing in Europe and his preference for international referees compared to Spanish ones, with whom he has had disagreements in the past. "Yes, I think so (I feel more comfortable with the referees in Europe). European referees protect the players who provide the spectacle, and that is important for us because we know they will punish those who kick us and ensure fair play at all times," he pointed out.
To conclude, 'Vini Jr.' wanted to apologize for some of the attitudes he has displayed on the field, acknowledging his mistakes and showing his commitment to improve. "When referees don't show cards to others and when I protest for the first time, I get a card. I do many things I shouldn't do, but I believe that I am improving in every game and trying to stay calmer. That's how I gradually get better. People forget that I am only 24 years old and I have a lot to learn," he concluded.