Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has shutdown talk of landing a maiden Ballon d’Or while emphasizing on the need to keep improving as opposed to individual laurels.
The 23-year-old is seemingly focused on winning a second Champions League title on Saturday, when Los Blancos battle Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, before worrying about personal glory.
The Brazilian was responsible for Madrid’s 14th European triumph in 2022, netting from close range in the 1-0 win over Liverpool.
The final in 2022 was a crowing moment for Vini who had a difficult start to life in the Spanish capital.
Following the departure of all-time top scorer Cristiano Ronaldo in 2018, Vinicius was thrown into the fold and became questioned instantly for under-par performances.
However, following the return of Carlo Ancelotti in 2021, the Brazil international became the key man.
After recording 14 goals in three season before Don Carlo’s arrival, Vinicius bagged 22 under the Italian.
The attacker also added another 23 goals the following year and he now has 23 goals again ahead of Saturday’s final against Dortmund.
Vinicius, who has mostly played in a central striker role this term, took time to adapt but he has profited from Ancelotti’s change in system following the arrival of Jude Bellingham.
“Now I can play in more positions and that’s how I’ve made my game a lot better than when I arrived here,” Vinicius said to reporters ahead of the final.
“I keep evolving, and I want to keep evolving until the last day of my career, as Toni Kroos is doing.”
German midfield legend Kroos has been one of several major influences keeping the 23-year-old in check despite the pressure.
Ancelotti’s guidance has also been important and one of his greatest achievements has been to turn Vinicius from a laughing stock to a proper elite player.
“I feel comfortable with whatever the coach tells me, because he has changed me as a player,” Vinicius added.
“He gave me the confidence that I need and where he tells me to go, I have to be.
“At first I was not convinced about playing inside, now I am very happy to be played there – he always told me that I would score goals, and I didn’t believe it. And in the end, things have gone well.”
