'The people who did not vote for me will not change how I feel' - Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. ignoring his detractors

Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Jr. is adamant that the opinions of his critics hold no weight, particularly targeting the journalists who did not vote for him in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, which was ultimately claimed by Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Vini, the man for the big occasions, further solidified his remarkable record in finals with Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, leading Los Blancos to a dominant 3-0 victory in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side Pachuca. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role, scoring from the penalty spot after previously delivering a sensational assist to set up Kylian Mbappe.

This performance came just one day after he was honored with The Best award by FIFA in Doha. However, in October, he finished as the runner-up to Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, with a number of journalists around the world opting not to cast their votes for the Brazilian.

"He is not an example for fair-play," said the representative from El Salvador for example after the Ballon d'Or gala. "That's not the reason why I didn't vote for him, I didn't because he is a player who's restricted to a limited space on the pitch. Let's not take into account what happened against Borussia Dortmund when he ran across the pitch for 70 metres because in that instant they [Dortmund] let him do that. He's a footballer who only plays there, he is not at the centre of play for Real Madrid."

"Real Madrid are the best team in the world. My team-mates help me and I am here to play for them and to give everything and defend the most important shirt in the world. I live every day very calmly," quipped Vini when asked about the 2024 Ballon d'Or (h/t MARCA).

"I have always worked hard and made an effort. The people who didn't vote for me are not going to change how I feel and what my teammates say every day."

The former Flamengo prodigy won the Golden Ball as the best player of the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, while also taking his trophy tally with Madrid to 14. This was the club's second title this season after winning the UEFA Super Cup in August.

Carlo Ancelotti's next assignment is a LaLiga fixture against Sevilla at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday, December 22. The Italian manager will be without his team's top-scorer Vini, though, as he is suspended for the clash after earning a yellow card against Rayo Vallecano last weekend.