'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

Vinicius Jr has been celebrating after picking up FIFA's The Best award in Qatar. The Brazilian missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri 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.

Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid snubbed the Ballon d'Or awards 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.

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."

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