Brazil legend Ronaldo is delighted “the best player in the world is black and Brazilian” as he paid tribute to Vinicius Junior on Tuesday.
Vinicius was named The Best FIFA Men’s Player for 2024, two months after he was snubbed for the Ballon d’Or.
The Brazil winger led Real Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory, scoring in the European final win over Borussia Dortmund.
He got his individual reward at the FIFA ceremony, though, and ex-Madrid and Selecao superstar Ronaldo was delighted to see his compatriot honoured.
Vinicius has been the subject of racist abuse, including in a match against Valencia in 2023 that led to three football fans being sentenced to eight months in prison.
Therefore Ronaldo sees the 24-year-old’s triumph as a victory, too, for the “anonymous Viniciuses” who have also suffered.
#TheBest FIFA Men’s Player 2024
@ViniJr pic.twitter.com/DnAnmiBlg7— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) December 17, 2024
“Speaking of regaining respect for Brazilian football, look at him there,” Ronaldo posted alongside a picture of Vinicius on his Instagram page. “@vinijr, maximum respect!
“Sixteen years have passed since the last time the trophy for best player in the world came to Brazil. Now deservedly in Vini’s hands, it means much more than his decisive role in the games and the extraordinary numbers in the 2023-24 season. For the award, his talent would be enough, but his power goes far beyond the field.
“We are talking about one of the most valuable players today, a victim of televised racism with inconceivable frequency.
“How many anonymous Viniciuses does he represent? How many victims spread all over the place?
“A symbol of resistance and resilience, today Vini also leads the anti-racist fight in world football, where impunity is as pernicious as the attacks.
“And those who remain silent are no less racist. The omission – especially by entities and authorities that have the legal power to confront and punish such practices – further reinforces the culture of erasure and disrespect towards black people.
“They tried to erase you, my friend. And you left a mark. THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD IS BLACK AND BRAZILIAN.”