Vinicius Junior admits Man City’s Ballon d’Or banner ‘gave me more strength’ as Real Madrid superstar leaves Etihad Stadium with Man Of The Match award
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid responded to the provocative actions of Manchester City fans after their Ballon d’Or snub, admitting that the banner held up by City supporters “gave me more strength” during their Champions League clash. This incident occurred just before the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 play-off tie between Manchester City and Real Madrid. City fans mocked Vinicius Jr. with a banner that read “Stop Crying Your Heart Out,” referencing his emotional reaction after losing the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win came after he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s Premier League title defense and Spain’s victory in Euro 2024. Vinicius had been widely considered a frontrunner for the award, especially after his brilliant performances in leading Real Madrid to both the La Liga and Champions League titles in 2024. However, when it was announced that Rodri would be the winner instead, Vinicius Jr. was visibly upset, and he, along with his Real Madrid teammates, decided to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony. This decision further fueled the rivalry between the two clubs, with City fans displaying their banner mocking Vinicius.
Despite the mocking banner, Vinicius Jr. channeled his emotions into an exceptional performance on the pitch during the Champions League match. He played a key role in Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, contributing to two of his team’s goals and ultimately earning the Man of the Match award. Speaking after the match, Vinicius Jr. acknowledged the impact the banner had on him, stating, “I saw the banner, but when opposition fans do things it always gives me more strength to play a great game and here I did that. City know our history and everything we’ve done in this competition.”
Real Madrid’s victory in the first leg gave them a crucial one-goal advantage going into the second leg, with the team now in a strong position to progress to the quarter-finals. Vinicius Jr.’s standout performance was a clear response to the taunts from City fans, showing his ability to rise above the controversy and focus on the task at hand. This match also served as a reminder of Real Madrid’s storied history in the competition, as they are one of the most successful teams in European football, and their players, including Vinicius, know how to deliver in high-pressure situations.
Looking ahead, Real Madrid will aim to build on this performance in the second leg, as they are now the favorites to advance to the quarter-finals at the expense of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. With the 2025 Ballon d’Or on the horizon, Vinicius Jr. will likely see another deep run in the Champions League as a significant factor in his pursuit of the prestigious award. However, he faces competition from other top players like Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham, both of whom are also aiming to claim the Ballon d’Or in the near future.
As the rivalry between Manchester City and Real Madrid continues to intensify, Vinicius Jr.’s ability to respond to adversity, both on and off the field, will be key in his pursuit of further success. Whether he wins the Ballon d’Or in 2025 or not, his performances in the Champions League and for Real Madrid will continue to earn him recognition as one of the best players in the world.
In terms of upcoming fixtures, Manchester City will look to bounce back from this defeat as they prepare for their next Premier League match against Newcastle United. For Real Madrid, they will focus on maintaining their momentum in La Liga, where they will face Osasuna in their next match. Both teams are focused on their respective league campaigns while also keeping an eye on their progress in Europe, where the Champions League remains a top priority for both clubs.
The 2024/25 Champions League knockout stages are shaping up to be a thrilling spectacle, with both Manchester City and Real Madrid eyeing deep runs. For Vinicius Jr., the pressure to continue his impressive form and help Real Madrid achieve further glory in Europe remains high. As he looks toward the future, including the potential for another Ballon d’Or nomination, the Brazilian star’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure will be crucial in helping Real Madrid achieve their goals.
