Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has taken his Ballon d’Or quest to the next level by training at the home of Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario.
The young winger is determined to raise his game and win football’s most prestigious individual award.
Vinicius, who has enjoyed a breakout season with Real Madrid in 2023/24, revealed he spent time with Ronaldo at his home in Ibiza, where the two worked together to hone his skills.
Vinicius has been in fine form, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 games as he helped Real win La Liga and the Champions League. However, competition for the Ballon d’Or is fierce, with team-mate Jude Bellingham and Spaniard Rodri also in the running.
Vinicius focuses on Ballon d’Or glory
In a conversation with CNN, Vinicius shared how Ronaldo encouraged him during their training sessions.
“I was with Ronaldo a short time ago, when I was in Ibiza and I was training at his house, and he told me: ‘Train here for a few more days, to be closer to the Ballon d’Or’. They are players who have done incredible things, and to be able to compete for the Ballon d’Or and win an award like the one they have won, it would be something truly incredible,” Vinicius said.
The star also spoke about the inspiration he draws from other Brazilian Ballon d’Or winners like Kaka, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo.
“But without a doubt, Ronaldo and Ronaldinho are the ones I am closest to, the ones who tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or,” Vinicius added.
Vinicius will be looking to continue his impressive form when Madrid take on Las Palmas on Thursday, as he aims to open his La Liga goalscoring account for the 2024/25 season and strengthen his bid for the game’s biggest individual trophy.
