• Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane previously asked Vinicius Jr. to model his game after two club legends.
• Vinicius has established himself as one of the world’s best players, demonstrating his impact on Real Madrid’s biggest stages.
• The Brazilian was considered one of the hot favorites for the prestigious honor following his pivotal role for Real Madrid last season.

Zinedine Zidane once advised Vinicius Junior to model his game after two Real Madrid legends, laying the foundations for the Brazilian’s rise to stardom.

Vinicius has had an extraordinary year, winning the La Liga and Champions League titles.

The 24-year-old’s outstanding performance in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund earned him the Man of the Match award.

However, Vinicius narrowly missed out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, losing to Manchester City’s Rodri.

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The result, revealed a few hours before the official announcement, sparked frustration within Real Madrid.

The club decided to boycott the ceremony, feeling “disrespected” by Ballon d’Or organizers, leaving manager Carlo Ancelotti absent from receiving his Men’s Coach of the Year award.

Zidane’s advice to Vinicius

In 2019 – when he was 19 and in the middle of his first season in Spain – Vinicius revealed what advice Zidane gave him to become one of the best players in the world. soccer.

He said: “Zidane always tells me to be calm and keep growing because if I do that, and because I have been treated so well by everyone, he says I will play there for a long time .

“A bit like Marcelo and Casemiro, who have been there for a long time.”n.

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The Champions League title holders are struggling in their group, having lost two of four matches, including recent defeats against Lille and AC Milan.

With six points so far, Real Madrid’s campaign is at a critical juncture and Vinicius’ form could be vital to their resurgence.

Why Vinicius lost the Ballon d’Or to Rodri

In the meantime, YEN.com.gh reports that the editor-in-chief of France Football has shed light on what could have hampered Vinicius’ chances of winning the Ballon d’Or, which was ultimately awarded to Rodri.

Despite being a top contender due to his significant impact for Real Madrid last season, the Brazilian winger narrowly missed out on this prestigious accolade.

Vinicius breaks silence after Ballon d’Or snobbery

In a previous report, YEN.com.gh pointed out that Vinicius spoke out after narrowly missing out on the Ballon d’Or.

The Brazilian star was widely considered the favorite ahead of the ceremony in Paris, but the award ultimately went to Manchester City’s Rodri.

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Notably, neither Vinicius nor any Real Madrid representatives attended the 68th Ballon d’Or.

Source: YEN.com.gh