Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior continues to grow in terms of not just presence on the pitch but off it. After spending some of his weekend with global celebrity Kim Kardashian, he recently gave an interview to CNN, declaring that it would be ‘incredible’ to become the first Brazilian to win the Ballon d’Or since Kaka in 2007, now 17 years ago.
Vinicius is in a good position to do so this year, after a dominant season with Real Madrid, winning the Champions League and scoring in the final for the second time in three years. The 24-year-old also won the league, although his sending off and Brazil’s subsequent elimination in the quarter-finals at Copa America did not help.
#Vinicius has given an interview to @CNN. He says 'it would be incredible' to be the first Brazilian win the Ballon d'Or since Kaka. #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/PTiPMEV1NJ
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 27, 2024
During the interview Vinicius said that he felt ‘most comfortable among the best’ – “That’s where I am most confident and I get the most space.” Declaring an intention to secure the individual award, he also explained that he wanted to make history at Real Madrid.
In part 2 of a world exclusive, Real Madrid superstar @vinijr tells CNN's @MirrorDarren that one of his "biggest goals" is to open up his first school in Brazil next year, as he aims to help uplift children in his country having been inspired by one his idols, LeBron James, to… pic.twitter.com/ovtVcGEy0E
— CNN Sports (@cnnsport) August 27, 2024
Amid rumours of Vinicius being open to hear out an offer from Saudi Arabia, this would appear to clarify any doubts about his future. The Saudi state are reportedly willing to offer Vinicius over €1b on a long-term contract, and Real Madrid around €500m for him, but it appears he is keen to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu.
