Zinedine ‌Zidane Voices Support for Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid

French soccer icon⁤ Zinedine Zidane has expressed strong confidence in the future of Vinicius Junior with Real Madrid. The talented winger made ‍his way to Madrid ​in⁣ July 2018, joining from Brazilian ‍team Flamengo at just 18⁣ years old. Since then, he has ⁤evolved into a crucial player ​for Los Blancos and ‍earned recognition as ⁢one ⁣of the leading talents in global ​football. To date, Vinicius has scored an impressive 91 goals across 279⁢ matches in all ⁢competitions.

Early Praise and Future Potential

During his​ tenure as manager​ of Real Madrid in 2019, Zidane sang praises ⁤for the young Brazilian, labeling⁣ him as a key part of the club’s future endeavors. According ‍to reports by The ⁢Telegrafi, Zidane stated: “He carries my trust as his coach. Vinicius is emblematic of what lies ahead ‍for Madrid; patience will be ‍essential. There might be‌ times ​when he isn’t on ⁤the ⁤pitch, but⁢ my belief ⁢in him never wavers.”

As we approach the highly-anticipated Ballon d’Or⁤ ceremony slated ‌for Monday at Paris’ Théâtre du Châtelet, Vinicius emerges as⁢ a​ top⁣ contender ‍to win this prestigious award.

Recognition and Gratitude

In recent conversations with CNN before⁣ the awards event—reported by Planet Football—Vinicius took time to acknowledge Marta Vieira da‍ Silva’s monumental influence on women’s football. He remarked: “I must mention Marta; she is unparalleled in​ women’s soccer history. ⁤Her contributions significantly elevated our sport’s status globally.”

Vinicius expressed ‍deep admiration for Marta’s pioneering role: “She mirrors what Pele represents ⁣to all Brazilians—akin to Ayrton Senna; such excellence is rare.”⁢

Influences From⁣ Past Legends

Turning toward men’s football legends who shaped his aspirations, ⁢Vinicius cited Kaka ⁢and Ronaldo among those who have inspired him throughout his⁤ journey. Reflecting on ⁢their guidance, he said:‍ “Ronaldo and ‌Ronaldinho ⁤are‌ especially close mentors who remind‍ me daily about‍ striving toward winning the ‍Ballon d’Or.” ​Recently training together ‌at Ronaldo’s residence in Ibiza, he shared that Ronaldo encouraged him with advice designed to enhance his performance: “Spend some more ⁣days practicing here so you’ll be even closer ‍to earning that accolade.”

The remarkable‌ feats⁤ achieved by such⁣ renowned figures make competing‍ for—and potentially winning—the Ballon d’Or an extraordinary dream and‍ ambition that fuels Vinicius’‍ devotion to success.

Conclusion

With immense talent shining through his⁣ performances on-field combined with unwavering support from legends like Zidane and others from Brazil’s storied⁢ history—all eyes will undoubtedly‌ be on⁤ Vinicius Junior during‍ this prestigious season ‍as fans anticipate further achievements from this ‍standout athlete at Real⁤ Madrid.