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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Vini Jr beats Rodri to FIFA's The Best</li><li>Has enjoyed stellar year</li><li>Sends out strong message to critics</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'They tried to invalidate & diminish me' - Vinicius Junior vows 'nobody will tell me who I should fight for' after being crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player as Real Madrid talisman issues powerful warning to critics

Copa del Rey

Real Madrid

Celta Vigo

<p>Vinicius Jr has been celebrating after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/redemption-vinicius-jr-real-madrid-the-best-fifa-men-s-player-2024-losing-ballon-d-or-rodri/bltea4d0a5cb48dc9a0#cs44b86e71d6495d6b" target="_blank">picking up FIFA's The Best award in Qatar</a>. The Brazilian missed out on the <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/official-rodri-wins-ballon-d-or-beating-real-madrid-superstar-vinicius-jr-to-biggest-individual-award-in-football/bltf74941fa191d49cd" target="_blank">Ballon d'Or to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri</a> just two months ago but has now been recognised for his performances during a year when he starred for Real Madrid and won La Liga and the Champions League.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Vinicius Jr and <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/real-madrid-statement-ballon-dor-uefa-disrespect-vinicius-jr-rodri/blt6e99d5565362d1d2" target="_blank">Real Madrid snubbed the Ballon d'Or awards</a> after finding out the Brazilian had missed out on the prize but were all smiles after seeing the forward scoop the top prize this time around. The 24-year-old is clearly revelling in his victory and posted a lengthy and powerful message to his critics on social media after the awards ceremony, referencing his ongoing battle against racism in Spain.</p><p></p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>He posted on Instagram: "Today I write to that boy who saw so many idols lift this trophy... your time has come. Or better yet my time has come Time to say... yes I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it. They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not ready. No one will tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave. When I was in São Gonçalo, the system didn't care for me. I was almost swallowed. I won for me, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, Brazilian national team, my hundreds of teammates during those years... the people who accompany me daily to my routine who admires me...THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD."</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDsMrKMovYB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;img_index=6" data-instgrm-version="13" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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WHAT VINICIUS SAID

<p>The Brazilian and Real Madrid will be hoping to add another trophy to their collection on Wednesday. Los Blancos take on Mexican club&nbsp;Pachuca&nbsp;in the final of FIFA's Intercontinental Cup in Qatar.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS JR

'They tried to invalidate & diminish me' - Vinicius Junior vows 'nobody will tell me who I should fight for' after being crowned The Best FIFA Men's Player as Real Madrid talisman issues powerful warning to critics | Goal.com Cameroon

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior has issued a powerful message to his critics after being crowned The Best FIFA Men&apos;s Player.

&apos;They tried to invalidate &amp; diminish me&apos; - Vinicius Junior vows &apos;nobody will tell me who I should fight for&apos; after being crowned The Best FIFA Men&apos;s Player as Real Madrid talisman issues powerful warning to critics