Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr's dazzling performances at Real Madrid have put the Brazilian forward in conversation to win his first Ballon d'Or and manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday the 23-year-old deserved to win the prestigious award.
Yet the Brazilian, who was almost unplayable at times, said that the recipe for Real Madrid's success in big moments is their selfless commitment and collective sacrifice that, combined with the Bernabeu's electric atmosphere, prove an unstoppable combination.
The 23-year-old could also miss the start of Brazil's World Cup qualifying campaign, having been substituted after 15 minutes. Real face Getafe on Sept. 2 while Brazil host Bolivia six days later before travelling to Peru on Sept. 12.
The 'Vini Jr law', unanimously approved by the Rio government in June, includes protocol on how to process complaints of racism and mandatory educational campaigns.
The five-time world champions will face Guinea in Barcelona on June 17 and Senegal in Lisbon three days later.
"It's devastating to think that in 2023 we're still seeing these things and hearing these things," seven-times world champion Hamilton, the sport's only Black driver, said at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Brazil's dancing celebrations as the goals flew in sparked criticism from pundits like former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane, who felt it was 'disrespectful', which generated a viral discussion online.
Vinicius Jr. is the symbol of Brazil outstanding new generation of talent that looks to be peaking at the perfect moment as they arrive in Qatar as favourites to lift a record sixth World Cup.
Such displays have lead to Vinicius' nomination for the 2018 Golden Boy Award, a prestigious prize previously won by his club mate Isco in 2012.
