Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid’s shining star – experienced one of the unforgettable moments of his career when he lost out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. For many fans, this was a controversial result, because Vinícius’s brilliant performance throughout the last season was enough to make him a leading candidate for the most prestigious individual award in world football.

However, when all the halo seemed to slip away, Vinícius received something even more precious: comfort and encouragement from Cristiano Ronaldo – the living legend he always considered his biggest idol.

In a recent interview, Vinícius revealed:

🗣️ “Cristiano Ronaldo is a passionate person – he hates to see someone go through a difficult moment. After the Ballon d’Or was announced, when many people thought I would win, Cristiano contacted me. He said: ‘Vini, I know how it feels to expect to be honored and then lose. That pain can affect your career because it makes you think that people don’t appreciate what you have contributed. But as long as the world is enjoying the football you bring, keep on giving. Don’t let the Ballon d’Or decide your fate.’”

These words are not only comforting, but also reflect Ronaldo’s own journey. In his illustrious career with 5 Ballon d’Ors, Ronaldo has also fallen into a state of disappointment many times when he was compared, underestimated, or lost the title to his biggest rival – Lionel Messi. That’s why he deeply understands the feeling Vinícius is facing.

In fact, the Ballon d’Or is always a game that is not only based on performance on the field, but also influenced by the context, collective achievements, and media perspectives. Although Vinícius shone brightly with Real Madrid, contributing greatly to the Champions League and La Liga titles, Rodri – the key factor in Manchester City’s historic treble – captured all the attention and votes from experts.

This caused a stir among football fans, many of whom believed that Vinícius deserved the title more. However, instead of sinking into disappointment, the Brazilian striker chose to keep the faith and use it as motivation, largely thanks to Ronaldo’s words of encouragement.

This incident also reminds Ronaldo of his football philosophy: individual titles are important, but the joy of the audience, recognition from global football lovers, and perseverance in dedication are what truly shape the value of a player.

For Vinícius, his career is only at the initial stage of sublimation. He has technique, speed, explosiveness, and especially a fiery fighting spirit – all that a superstar needs to reach the top. If he continues to maintain his form, the opportunity to win the Golden Ball in the future is certainly still open.

More importantly, the conversation between Ronaldo and Vinícius showed an “invisible thread” connecting generations of players: from the previous legends passing on the fire, passing on the faith, so that the young generation does not collapse before the storm. Vinícius may not have won the Ballon d’Or, but with the support of Ronaldo and millions of fans, he has certainly won in another way – winning the hearts of the audience.

When a player knows how to turn pain into motivation, when he is supported by those who have walked that path, the journey ahead will be even more proud. And for Vinícius Júnior, the dream of the Ballon d’Or may have been delayed, but it has certainly never been extinguished.