Kylian Mbappe reacts as Real Madrid teammate Vinicius Jr receives Champions League MVP award for 2023-24 season
Real Madrid had a remarkable campaign last season, winning La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. Vinicius Junior, at the core of their success, was named the Champions League’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his contributions. His new teammate Kylian Mbappe took to social media to congratulate Vinicius after the Brazilian shared a post with the award.
Vinicius was undoubtedly one of the most in-form players last season, scoring 24 goals and providing nine assists in just 39 games across competitions. He registered six goals and four assists in the Champions League, leading Los Blancos to the ultimate success, including a goal in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
The Brazil international was named the tournament’s Player of the Season in June. He recently received the award and shared a picture of it on social media and captioned it:
"MVP Champions League 2023-24. Hard work and character take you to high places. Thanks to all my colleagues for this. I love you guys!!!"
Real Madrid summer signing Kylian Mbappe acknowledged his teammate on his success. The pair have had a strong start to the season and have already developed a close bond. Mbappe expressed his appreciation by commenting with a white heart emoji, symbolizing Real Madrid’s colors, followed by a fire emoji.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addresses Vinícius Junior’s early season struggles
Vinicius Junior has already scored twice and provided four assists in six appearances across competitions this season. However, his performances have not reached the level we have come to expect from him. Questions have been raised about his form, particularly after he struggled with Brazil. Vinicius failed to score or assist during the recent international break against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti addressed concerns about his star player’s form. The Italian manager said he is not worried about the dip and expressed confidence that Vinicius will return to his best sooner rather than later.
“He’s not at his best, but he’s still very important for us. We’re in no hurry because the team has managed to score, and he has been important... and the last concern for me is Vinicius’s condition, but we have to take good care of him. He always works well, and it’s a matter of just time for him to reach his best level. I can’t fool myself into thinking that I’ll have all players at 100 per cent at all times," he said (via beIN Sports).
Real Madrid will start their Champions League campaign with a home fixture against German club VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday, September 17.