Diego Simeone, manager of Atletico Madrid, believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior can win the Ballon d’Or. In a new, when rivalry is at peak between the two clubs, Simeone’s backing of Vinicius has uplifted the mood in and around the Real Madrid winger who has had a tough time dealing with the onslaught of racial abuse.
Vinicius, 22, has had an outstanding season with Los Blancos, scoring 23 goals and assisting 21 times in 54 appearances across all competitions. This outstanding season, which occurred in the middle of a racial controversy, has tainted the Brazilian’s achievements.
Simeone hails Vinicius who is considering Real Madrid exit
According to rumours, Vinicius Jr’s entourage is looking into a possible exit for the Real Madrid player. The Brazil international was angry after receiving racial comments during his team’s 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday, 21 May. The attacker was also shown a controversial red card late in the game, although it has been overturned after an investigation by La Liga.
However, the whole world watching was witness to disgraceful events, with Vinicius Jr in tears after suffering racial insults from the Valencia fans. Simeone, on the other hand, has tried to divert the unpleasant situation around Vinicius by stating that he may be on track to win his first Ballon d’Or. The Atletico manager said:
“Can Vinicius Jr. win the Ballon D’Or? With everything he is doing, yes.”
Vinicius has had his greatest season since joining Real Madrid in 2018 from Palmeiras. In 224 appearances with the Los Blancos, he has already scored 59 goals and assisted 64 times. Furthermore, he has already won every club trophy available, even scoring the winning goal in last year’s Champions League final against Liverpool.
This season too, he has fared brilliantly and helped Real Madrid clinch the Copa del Rey, which was the only trophy missing from his cabinet since joining the club. However, given the successes of his rival players, the Brazilian may struggle to win his first Ballon d’Or this season.
Lionel Messi of PSG appears to be the favourite, having won his first FIFA World Cup in Qatar in December in an electrifying manner. Meanwhile, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City are expected to compete as well. The two have been instrumental in City’s pursuit for a treble as only the FA Cup and Champions League final stand between the English champions and a historic treble.
Meanwhile, according to ESPN Brasil, Vinicius’ representatives is discussing a possible exit for the player due to all of the racial abuse he has gotten this season. Moreover, the winger’s entourage is believed to be ‘uncomfortable’ with Real Madrid’s approach in the midst of his constant suffering. While the 22-year-old is regarded as “on edge,” he prefers to stay at the Bernabeu and win the fight against racism once and for all.