Adored, detested, and very ravenous
The future of Real Madrid's Champions League finale against Dortmund heavily relies on the young and talented Brazilian player, Vinicius Junior. This combative athlete endures love and hatred simultaneously, causing him to feel overwhelmed at times. Known for his extraordinary skills, Vinicius' potential of becoming the World Player of the Year is often overlooked due to both admiration and criticism.
The intense reactions between love and hatred can leave Vinicius Junior perplexed. "I'm just 23, and sometimes I don't know how to deal with all this," says the top footballer of Real Madrid, addressed as "Vini" by fans. He’s been both insulted as a "monkey" by hundreds of disgruntled fans and celebrated as the "best player in the world." The world can indeed be crazy, says the Brazilian.
In the upcoming match where Real Madrid seeks their 15th Champions League trophy against Dortmund on Saturday, Vinicius is their most potent weapon. This young talent has already helped them win the previous final against Liverpool with a decisive goal. "That was a fantastic achievement, but my ambition is not yet satisfied; I desire more," says the driven striker.
Besides praise, Vinicus Jr. also receives criticism for his outspoken nature and demonstrative playing style, often perceived as arrogance. "Of course, I can't claim to be a saint," he admitted in a moment of self-realization. "Sometimes I talk too much, and my dribbling style isn't always necessary."
This charismatic individual attracts strong reactions, not only from fans of Real Madrid but also from opposing sides. Just recently, crowds at Valencia prematurely referred to him as "Mono," which translates to "monkey," screaming this out in chants. "This isn't the first, second, or third time," he commented on the open racism.
While admired by the Real Madrid fans for his bold character, most non-Madridistas firmly dislike him to the point of deep hatred, with no boundaries. Vinicius' dazzling playstyle bewilders his opponents. Countless times, he has showcased his dribbling prowess by creating seemingly impossible situations on the field.
The crowds' fascination with Vinicius Junior, ideally known as Vini, overshadows his exceptional talent. This year, he could even be a strong contender for the World Player of the Year award. His teammate, Jude Bellingham, an ex-Borussia Dortmund player, rates Vinicius as the greatest player in the world because "he's genuinely hard to defend."
After joining Madrid from Flamengo Rio de Janeiro six years ago at a price of 45 million euros, Vinicius has compensated for their investment by consistently delivering outstanding performance. This season specifically, he has scored five goals in the Champions League, contributing two against Bayern and another against Leipzig as well as five assists.
The legendary Brazilian player, Ronaldo, often provides him with guidance. "He constantly calls me to provide tips about my behavior against goalkeepers during one-on-one situations," shared Vinicius in his recent UEFA interview. A new challenge will emerge for Dortmund, as they must now adapt to cope with Vinicius' unique style of play.
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Vinicius Junior and Borussia Dortmund will face off against Real Madrid in the Champions League, highlighting their upcoming match. The young Brazilian's exceptional skills have helped Real Madrid secure victories, such as the decisive goal against Liverpool in a previous final.
Amidst criticisms for his outspoken nature and demonstrative playing style, Vinicius Jr. has earned both praise and disdain, including being referred to as a "monkey" by opposing fans. Isolated incidents of racism have not deterred him, as he continues to sharpen his skills and aim for more accolades.
