‘He came here for that’ – Vinicius Jr desperate to make Kylian Mbappe dream come true as Real Madrid superstar reflects on disappointing Ballon d’Or snub

The Brazil international has become a talismanic presence at Santiago Bernabeu, registering over 100 goals for the Blancos while helping them to three domestic titles and a couple of Champions League crowns. He is so important to the cause that Mbappe had to change position when arriving in the Spanish capital.

Vinicius' presence on the left wing means that World Cup winner Mbappe is operating as a central striker. It took him a while to adjust to the demands of that role after heading to Madrid, but is now up to 19 goals for the season – with 12 of those coming in the Spanish top-flight.

Mbappe sits four efforts behind Barcelona frontman Robert Lewandowski in the top scorer stakes, but Vinicius has told TNT Sports Brazil of collective efforts to win the Pichichi Trophy: “We [Vinicius, Mbappe and Rodrygo] are the three forwards, we have the obligation to score goals, give assists, and the truth is that we’re really happy with Kylian.

“The beginnings are always tough, but he has adapted well, and Kylian is such a great player that even while adapting, he’s scored a lot of goals. Rodrygo and I are going to do everything we can to make him the top scorer in all competitions, because he came here for that.”

Vinicius' 24 goals last season landed La Liga and Champions League honours, but he was still pipped to the 2024 Ballon d’Or by Manchester City midfielder and Euro 2024 winner Rodri. The 24-year-old South American added on that disappointment: “I always say that my biggest goal is to help my team, to be able to score goals, make assists, be at my best level, because if I’m like that I can help all my team-mates and take Madrid to the highest level, which is always my biggest goal.

“Individual awards are of course important, but… We can’t talk so much, it’s not the vote that people expected, but we have to keep going… Rodrygo, Kylian, Jude [Bellingham], to do great things.”

Real sit top of La Liga after 20 rounds of fixtures, with a two-point lead held over neighbours Atletico Madrid. Since suffering a 5-2 Super Cup defeat to Clasico rivals Barca, the Blancos have scored 14 goals through their last three outings in all competitions.