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Vinicius Junior dominated headlines this week after claiming the FIFA The Finest award for 2024, following a stellar 2023-24 season with Actual Madrid. Whereas the accolade has sparked comparisons to Brazil’s biggest soccer gamers, a German legend provided a contrasting perspective, likening Vinicius to Neymar in each expertise and conduct—on and off the pitch.
The Brazilian winger had an distinctive season with Los Blancos, contributing 25 objectives and 12 assists in 40 appearances and serving to safe the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. Regardless of his spectacular numbers, Vinicius has usually discovered himself on the heart of controversies, sparking blended reactions from the soccer group.
German icon Lothar Matthaus weighed in on Vinicius’ character, drawing parallels to Neymar in a important method. “For me, he’s the second Neymar. He’s an outstanding expertise, however like Neymar, he will get in his personal approach. He stirs up the group, clashes with opponents, and provokes with gestures,” Matthaus mentioned in an interview with Sport Bild.
The Bayern Munich legend emphasised the duality of Vinicius and Neymar—world-class ability and athleticism counterbalanced by questionable conduct on the sphere. Considered one of Vinicius’ final episodes was the provocative gestures he did throughout a recreation towards Rayo Vallecano as proof of this imbalance. “Vini Jr. has a superb completion, velocity—every part is world-class. However his conduct is heading within the unsuitable path, and Neymar is the unsuitable function mannequin,” he added.
Matthaus additionally addressed the Ballon d’Or, which was awarded to Manchester Metropolis’s Rodri, underscoring the significance of maturity and composure. “For me, the Ballon d’Or alternative with Rodri was appropriate. He has extra charisma, extra intelligence. Vini Jr. must mature, and if he does, he has the abilities and the membership to grow to be the World Participant of the Yr,” he concluded.
Stories counsel that conduct and professionalism factored closely into award deliberations, doubtlessly costing Vinicius the Ballon d’Or regardless of his simple expertise and achievements. Whereas his skillset continues to dazzle followers and pundits alike, questions on his demeanor stay a degree of competition.
Vinicius’ response to critics
Criticism of his on-field conduct is nothing new for Vinicius, with many analysts highlighting it as a barrier to deeper fan connection. Nevertheless, the Brazilian star seems unfazed by such feedback.
Following his FIFA The Finest win, Vinicius took to social media to share a message of defiance and gratitude, addressing his household, teammates, and detractors alike. “They tried, and so they nonetheless attempt, to invalidate me, to decrease me. However they’re not ready. Nobody will inform me who I ought to battle for, or how I ought to behave,” he wrote on Instagram, signaling his willpower to rise above criticism.
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